Orlando hosted its 11th Annual Central Florida Dragon Parade on Sunday morning, February 5th, 2023, to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2023 (Year of the Rabbit). This year, the parade was organized by Asia Trend, Mills 50 (Orlando Main Street District), R.E.A.C.H. (Recognizing, Experiencing Asian Cultural Heritage), and Y.E.S.S (Youth Enrichment and Senior Services), with support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Greater Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer of the City of Orlando, and city council members, among others.
The Lunar New Year and Asian cultural traditions were on full display during the parade, drawing a sizable crowd of local residents to participate in the celebration. The parade featured the police and fire department, lion and dragon dances, martial arts, drumming, and cosplay characters that added to the festive atmosphere. The Taiwanese contingent at the parade, headed by Director General Charles Chou of TECO in Miami and other Taiwanese expatriates from Central Florida, proudly showcased their heritage by waving their national flags and performing martial arts, diabolo, lion and dragon dances. The electrifying presence of the "Electric-Techno Neon Gods (Sam-thài-chú)" added a thrilling touch to the parade, resulting in a frenzy of photography and becoming a standout moment of the celebration.
The parade was a great opportunity for the Taiwanese and other Asian communities to connect with the local community and share their cultural heritages. Once again, the local community was given the chance to experience the charm of Taiwanese culture. Parade watchers commented that they have noticed the parade’s growth and expansion over the years, marking it as a symbol of Orlando's diverse and thriving cultural landscape.