The Cal Poly Mustang Marching Band participated for the fifth consecutive year in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, Feb. 24, in San Francisco.

The parade began in the 1860s as a means for Chinese community in San Francisco to educate and share their culture with the greater community. The parade and festival have grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. The parade was named one of the top 10 parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association.

The Mustang Marching Band’s more than 220 members perform for nearly 50 occasions on campus each year, including athletic events and university functions. The band performed for the Chinese New Year Parade for the first time four years ago and was among 15 marching bands that participated. It was awarded first place in the adult marching bands category at each appearance.

The parade celebrated the “Year of the Dog” with floats, dragon dancers and other festive entries. Organizers expected over 1 million attendees to line the parade route as the event was broadcast live on local television stations.