US city marks Year of the Dog

SAN FRANCISCO - Tens of thousands of residents from the local Chinese community in San Francisco and tourists packed a small downtown street for the dragon dance that would herald the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The celebration of the Year of the Dog in Chinese culture, which falls on Feb 16, began on Saturday with a mini-procession that included lion dancers, giant walking puppets, costumed stilt walkers and drummers.

The drumming performance excited the audience on both sides of the 400-meterlong street decorated in traditional bright red that symbolizes happiness in Chinese culture.