Award-winning Tournament of Roses float designer Charles Meier unveiled Friday the skeleton and inner workings of the Rose Parade’s first ever fire-breathing Chinese dragon float, “Marco Polo: East meets West,” sponsored by the Singpoli Group.
Meier and several local officials joined Singpoli Group CEO Kin Hui for the viewing Friday morning.
“Singpoli is about bringing cultures together,” Hui said. “Our float uses spectacular symbols including an enormous dragon that highlights the similarities between western and Chinese cultures.”
The highlight of Singpoli’s latest Rose Parade entry is the mythical dragon, which will breathe real fire throughout the 5.5-mile-long parade. Smoke also pours from the flaming purple pearl in the dragon’s claw. Fire marshals carefully reviewed and tested the special effects for months.
Amazingly, the dragon (if it were extended in full) would be 175 feet long.
The float will be comprised of 85 percent fresh floral products. Additionally it will use more citrus than any other float.
This magnificent design draws inspiration from Marco Polo’s travels from Venice, Italy to China. A costumed rider portrays Marco Polo riding on the moon bridge at the front of the float. The Venetian flag, featuring St. Mark’s winged lion, waves overhead. A spectacular fire-breathing dragon symbolizes the beauty and mystery of the east. In Chinese mythology, dragons are benevolent creatures that represent strength and good fortune. The styling of the dragon intentionally blends Chinese elements with the look of European fairy tale dragons. This fusion of cultures embodies the core values of Singpoli — building bridges between east and west. Stylized clouds inspired by Chinese embroidery float over a lush garden of flowering trees.
