Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009

    BEIJING, Jan. 28 -- Hong Kong staged a carnival Monday to welcome in China's Lunar Year of the Ox.

    The thirteen floats all chose different themes, such as a Cathey Pacific flower chariot.

    Thailand's float was decorated with the country's flowers and two gods hoping to bring fortune to Hong Kong's economy. Alongside the traditional dragon and lion dances, children excited spectators with a 'Dance of the Ox.'

    There was also a lifesize Mickey Mouse banging a Chinese drum, and performances by cheerleader squads from the United States, Spain, Thailand, Japan and Russia.

    Hong Kong will host the East Asian Games in December. To highlight the upcoming event, one float carried its two mascots and a set of models representing the 23 sports involved.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong.

    (Source: XHTV)