Hong Kong is a vibrant city that is a rich hub of culture, with the influences of the East and the West giving it a unique appeal. The summer months are the best opportunity to experience the rich culture of the bustling metropolis, with four traditional Chinese festivals that reflect the roots and identity of the city.
Visitors to Hong Kong will not run out of things to do with various activities and festival celebrations that run until May 15, with festivities kicking off with the birthday of Tin Hau last April 29. The most popular deity in Hong Kong with over 70 temples dedicated to her, Tin Hau – the Goddess of the Sea – is revered by fishermen who celebrate her birthday by decorating their boats with colorful flags while locals pay homage to her in the temples.
At the Tai Temple (Big Temple), the oldest surviving temple located at Joss House Bay in Sai Kung, major festivities also take place. Another great sight to see is the Yuen Long Shap Pat Heung Fa Pau Parade, which is a three-hour procession made more festive with lion and dragon dances, a Fa Pau parade, a marching band and cultural performances.
On May 11 to 15, visitors will get to witness the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, reputed to be the most colorful festival in Hong Kong. The hundred-year-old Cheung Chau Bun Festival is where you can watch the carnival-like Piu Sik (Floating Colors) Parade that will happen on May 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Children dress up as gods and celebrities while on stilts to give the impression that they are floating on air. The parade makes its way through narrow streets and concludes by the Park Tai Temple where tall towers are adorned with sweet buns. This is also where the Bun Scrambling Competition is held, with contestants climbing the towers and gathering as many buns as they can. This will take place at 11:30 p.m. also on May 14. Don’t let the festival pass without tasting a traditional Ping On Bun or Lucky Bun!
A big religious occasion also falls on May 14 which is celebrated as the birthday of The Lord Buddha. Buddhists pay their respects by pouring fragrant water over the head and shoulders of small Buddha statues in temples as a form of purification.
Celebratory activities such as Kung Fu performances by Shaolin Monks and face changing and acrobatic shows at the Po Lin Monastery from May 8 to 14 will add color to the cultural events. There will also going be a major three-day event on May 13-15 at the Hong Kong Coliseum that will include different ceremonies, Buddhist talks and a charity concert. A fun celebration for the occasion is Be Smart & Agile, a carnival-like event to be held at Victoria Park on May 14, featuring a line-up of activities including a vegetarian feast, flower shows, game booths, and more.
A deity revered almost exclusively in Hong Kong, Tam Kung is the patron saint of seafarers. Hong Kong celebrates his birthday on May 14 with a dragon and lion dance parade at 10:00 a.m. starting at Shau Kei Wan Street until Tam Kung Wei Temple.
When in Hong Kong, make the most out of your festival experience by joining one or all of the tours available at Asia’s World City. A full day Tin Hau Festival Tour includes exploring the Wishing Trees at Lam Tsuen, reserved seating area for the procession and a Chinese lunch. The Bun Festival Tour that begins with a cruise on a chartered boat includes a vegetarian Chinese lunch along with a great view of all the Bun Festival activities. For the Buddha Festival, you can choose from a number of tours including the New Lantau Island Tour, Tsing Ma Lantau & Monastery Tour, 360 Lantau Explorer Tour and the 360 Holidays Guided Tour.
Log on to DiscoverHongKong.com for more information.