ABOUT 200 people dressed in traditional costumes will tomorrow take part in a parade to mark the opening of the Longhua Temple Fair in Xuhui District.

The spectacle is a 400-year-old tradition that was originally staged to drive evil from villages and to pray for good luck. In recent times it has become a fitting start to the annual fair, which this year runs through Thursday, from 9am to 6pm each day.

At the front of this year’s parade will be a huge dragon’s head measuring 3 meters high by 4.5m long. That will be followed by stilt-walkers, dancers and a host of other entertainers, the event’s organizers said.