Festivals of Hong Kong

Hong Kong hosts huge Chinese New Year Celebrations. Skyscrapers are decorated in lights, flower markets dominate the streets, and the main event is an elaborate parade with colorful floats, bands, and street entertainers along with dragon and lion dancers.

The Hungry Ghost festival takes place during a lunar month in August/September during which time spirits are thought to roam the earth. Believers avoid late nights and paper money or offerings are burned on small roadside fires to appease the ghosts.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates an uprising against the Mongols in the 14th Century. Messages calling for a revolt were distributed in cakes. Today sweet cakes known as "Moon Cakes" are a central part of the festival which takes place in September or October.

The Tam Kung Festival celebrates the birthday of this patron saint of the sea who is said to bring security and happiness to all fishermen. The celebration can be best observed at the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island.

Tin Hau is the Goddess of the Sea, responsible for safety, security, fine weather, and plentiful fishing. Boats are decorated with ribbons and a procession takes place on the final day. The festival is held each year in April or May.

The Ching Ming Festival, also known as the Spring Remembrance, is the time of year when families remember past ancestors. It falls on the 4th or 5th of April. Graves are visited and repaired during this time period.

Similar to the traditional Ching Ming Festival held each spring, the Chung Yeung Festival is a time to remember ancestors. The event is also known as the Autumn Remembrance and takes place in September or October.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival is an international event held annually in February and March. The festival typically runs for three to four weeks offering a variety of music, theatre, dance, film and other cultural entertainment.

The Hong Kong International Film Festival is a sixteen day event held every year around Easter. The celebration includes screening of films from Asia and around the world, including "fringe" features.

The Monkey God Festival is held in September or October in the Sau Mau Ping area of Kowloon. A recreation of the attempted execution of the Monkey God ends with him running barefoot over blazing charcoal and climbing a ladder of knives.