The celebrations for San Francisco's Chinese New Year parade to welcome the year of the snake started off with a bang.

Tens of thousands of people will descend on San Francisco this Saturday to enjoy the annual Chinese New Year Parade that kicks off early that evening.

This year is the Year of the Snake, and the reptile takes center stage on each of the floats designed and built by The Parade Guys.

New floors and subfloors were installed in the 7,800-square-foot sanctuary of the much-visited downtown cathedral.

Alerts FINAL UPDATE: Delay at 16th & Potrero has cleared. IB/OB 22, 33, & 55 resuming regular service.(More: 10 in last 48 hours) Subscribe Home NextMuni Real-time Information ...