North America's foremost Chinese community salutes the New Year. No where in the world will you see a lunar new year parade with more gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, and exploding firecrackers. Named one of the world's top ten parades, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade is the largest event of its kind outside of Asia. The Festival and Parade attracts over three million spectators and television viewers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Asia.  2012 is the year of the Ox.