Uncover Hong Kong’s Heritage This May with Cultural Festivals and All-New Pyro & Drone Shows
May 08 2024 - 1:06PM
As the weather heats up this May, so does Hong Kong’s calendar of
world-class cultural happenings. International visitors are invited
to join in the diverse array of vibrant cultural festivities around
the city, including the debut of spectacular new pyrotechnic and
drone shows, offering guests the chance to experience Hong Kong
from a different perspective.
Highlighting four unmissable cultural
experiences suitable for the whole family, Hong Kong promises an
unforgettable journey into its rich heritage:
Cheung Chau Bun Festival: Where
Tradition Meets Vibrancy
Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a captivating day- a
celebration marking the end of spring. This unique festival, known
for its distinctive local traditions, attracts thousands of
visitors and locals alike to witness papier-mâché effigies, lion
dance performances and more.
The highlight of the daytime events is the Piu
Sik Parade, where local children dress up as deities, showcase
their costumes and skills, and parade on stilts. This colourful
procession sets the stage for the much-anticipated Bun Scrambling
Competition. This fast-paced scramble, which auspiciously begins at
the stroke of midnight, sees participants daringly ascend
bun-covered towers to seek good fortune and ward off evil
spirits.
Tin Hau Festival: An Ode to the
Sea
The Tin Hau Festival, listed as part of the
National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, is highly
significant for many local communities as it honours the birthday
of Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen. The
vibrant festival showcases colourful religious rituals, dynamic
dragon and lion dances, captivating parades, and traditional
performances held across different parts of Hong Kong.
Some communities also organize Cantonese opera
shows as a gesture of gratitude, while the festival spirit is
further enhanced by the exchange of "Fa Pau," large floral tributes
made of bamboo and paper.
Buddha’s Birthday: A Day of
Enlightenment
A time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and
cultural appreciation, Buddha's Birthday in Hong Kong is an
inclusive celebration. It offers enriching cultural activities for
all to enjoy and embrace, regardless of their faith.
Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the
city buzz with activity on this auspicious day. The Po Lin
Monastery, situated on Lantau Island and home to the iconic Big
Buddha, hosts grand celebrations, including a public Buddha bathing
ritual. The Buddha's Birthday Carnival features arts, cultural
performances, and an array of stalls offering games, charity
initiatives, and Asian cuisine.
Tam Kung Festival: Prayers for Safety
and Favourable Weather
The Tam Kung Festival is a cherished cultural
event that pays homage to Tam Kung, the deity of seafarers and
fishermen.
In the vibrant neighbourhoods of Shau Kei Wan
and Wong Nai Chung, locals and visitors are gathered to celebrate
the region's rich maritime heritage. During the festival, the
streets of the harbourside locale come alive with colourful
processions, traditional lion dances, and thanksgiving opera
performances. These celebrations create a vibrant and festive
atmosphere that captivates all who attend. Devotees gather at Tam
Kung temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for safety at sea
and good fortune.
In addition to the traditional rituals and
celebrations during the festivals mentioned above, there is an
exciting new addition that should not be missed.
Elevating Festivals: The Thrilling Drone
and Pyro Show at Victoria Harbour
Officially starting on May 1 at Victoria
Harbour, a captivating Pyrotechnic Display will kick off to welcome
the month of cultural celebrations. This spectacular show promises
to dazzle spectators with its innovative use of pyrotechnics.
Notably, on May 11, just a couple of days before the Cheung Chau
Bun Festival, Buddha's Birthday, and the Tam Kung Festival, the
newly curated drone show will be launched over Victoria Harbour,
adding an extra layer of enchantment to the festivities that
resonate throughout the city. Make sure to witness these
awe-inspiring displays that are poised to elevate the overall
appeal of the celebrations, complemented by Hong Kong's
breathtaking skyline as a captivating backdrop.
Travellers looking to immerse themselves in the
richness of Chinese heritage and culture should book their trip to
Hong Kong for May to experience this extraordinary and unmissable
season of celebration.
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by
clicking on this link.
Images can be accessed via:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=1488&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jorge
Leejorge.lee@hktb.comTel: (416) 366-2389 ext 206 |
Carol
Lamcarol.py.lam@hktb.comTel: (416) 366 2389 ext 201 |
|
|