Festivals in Hong Kong
Hong Kong uses both the Western and Chinese lunar calendar, and while that means plenty of celebrations throughout the year, it also leads to some confusion among tourists. That’s evident from the very first big holiday of the year.
Chinese New Year
Held in February, the Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong. A festive mood is in the air for four weeks, and Chinese New Year songs play endlessly on radios everywhere. The big, colorful Chinese dragon costume becomes a regular sight at this time and the fireworks are virtually non-stop. One of the highlights of the New Year is a magnificent fireworks display at Victoria Harbor.
Spring Lantern Festival
Every spring, an explosion of colorful lanterns lights up Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island. This traditional festival reminds many older people of China’s early days when everyone looked forward to this time of year.
Ching Ming Festival
Spring is also the time of this festival characterized by sweeping the graves of your family’s dead. On this day, Chinese pay homage to their deceased family members and friends by removing leaves, weeds and debris from their graves.
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Held at Cheung Chau Island, this festival features a race with many participants climbing a tall tower to retrieve a bun. The competition was stopped in 1978 after the bun tower collapsed and caused many injuries. In 2005, the competition continued with extra safety precautions.
Tuen Ng Festival
In honor of this national hero, Hong Kong stages a series of dragon boat races as spectators enjoy an endless parade of drinks and dim sum.
Hungry Ghost Festival
On the Chinese calendar’s seventh month, people believe the gates of hell open and let hungry ghosts out among us. It’s a chilling thought. Many locals offer food, burn incense and perform rites to comfort the ghosts. There are special opera performances aimed at appeasing ghosts.
Mid Autumn Festival / Moon Festival
This is the festival of moon cakes, a local delight which many Western tourists fail to appreciate. When pressed to join in, try requesting for the ice cream version. It’s also a lantern festival throughout Hong Kong.
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