Hong Kong is to hold a grand parade on July 1 to mark the eighth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Jointly initiated by 19 social organizations including the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, some 850 social organizations in Hong Kong will take part in the parade with subject of "creating harmonious society and promoting economic development."

The whole program will be started by a national flag raising ceremony. Headed by 20 vintage cars and 10 motor cycles, the parade team will be followed by citizens holding national flags and the flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR) and a silver band.

About 100 performing groups will perform local dances, yangko, Chaozhou drum, roller skating, taekwondo and some other folk dances.

Cheng You-tong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of the Trade Unions and head of the preparatory committee of the parade, said in an interview with Xinhua that various Hong Kong organizations would usually hold a series of activities around July 1 to celebrate the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

He said Hong Kong's economy witnessed a remarkable rebound in the past year, and many social organizations in Hong Kong are expected to arrange the parade to show their jubilant mood.

The parade will be held on Hong Kong Island and will last about three hours.

Source: Xinhua