Tin Hau Festival
Witness how locals flock by the thousands across Hong Kong to celebrate the birthday of Tin Hau and pray to the Goddess of the Sea for safety, fine weather, and full fishing nets for the coming year. One of the highlights of the Tin Hau festivities is the three-hour Shap Pat Heung (“18 Villages”) fa pau parade in Yuen Long happening on May 8. The procession will be featuring the Hong Kong Police Band, about 30 fa pau groups, lion dancers, dance groups, and marching bands.
Cheung Chau Ban Festival
Be a part of the celebrations and learn about Hong Kong's exciting history through the festival’s papier-mache effigies and lion dancers which tell the tale of when a plague devastated Cheung Chau more than a century ago and villagers paraded through the island’s narrow streets disguised as deities to drive away evil spirits.
Buddha-bathing Festival
Buddha’s birthday is one of the most spiritual and unique festivals celebrated in Hong Kong. At Buddhist temples across the city, devotees gather to pay their respects by bathing Buddha statues in water, a ritual believed to help purify the soul. Festivities for the deity is held from April 27 to May 22.
Tam Kung’s Birthday
On May 22, devotees will celebrate Tam Kung’s birthday in the oldest temple dedicated to him. Tam Kung is a man believed to have learned the secret to remaining forever young. Ceremonies for the festival include traditional dragon and lion dances and a colorful street parade.
