Hong Kong Events and Festivals

(Hong Kong, China)

Hong Kong celebrates all of the festivals that are a part of mainland China's cultural events, presenting its own spin on popular lunar calendar holidays, such as the festivals of Spring, Dragon Boat and Mid-Autumn. There are also has a number of particular events that Hong Kong enjoys exclusively, including April's Tin Hau, May's Cheung Chau Bun and October's Cheung Yeung Festival.

Celebrations are always lively and colourful and visitors are welcome to join in, with plenty of things to do and enjoy. If you plan to attend one of the bigger festivities within Hong Kong, it is important to make accommodation and transport plans in advance.

Hong Kong Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, though this is not the official Chinese New Year, it is recognised as the beginning of a new year in business terms so locals enjoy a public holiday and a brief chance to relax before the busy year ahead

February

• Spring Festival - mid-February, otherwise known as Chinese New Year, a nationwide celebration and one that marks the turning of the lunar year. Spirits are high among the locals and the streets become the setting for parades and dragon dances, while in homes friends and family come together and exchange gifts

March

• Lantern Festival - held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is a colourful affair during which locals hang paper lanterns from public and private buildings, and enjoy seasonal treats such as sticky rice dumplings known as Tangyuan

April

• Qingming - this is a time for Hong Kong's residents to pay their respects to family members or friends who have passed on. Graves and tombs are visited and cleaned and offering of flowers, food and wine are made to the souls of the deceased
• Tin Hau Festival - falling in either April or May, this celebration is also known as the Fisherman's Festival and is held in honour of Tin Hau, the deity believed to be the protector of fishermen. Boats are covered with bright decorations and locals visit temples to pray for good fishing hauls in the coming year

May

• Cheung Chau Bun Festival - the island of Cheung Chau hosts this celebration each May, which is commonly considered the most famous of the Da Jiu festivals. Traditionally fishing communities would come together to pray for protection against pirates but these days the event focuses more on traditional Chinese culture

June

• Dragon Boat Festival - this important national festival sees teams of locals in Hong Kong launch brightly coloured vessels onto the waters around the territory, after which lively races are conducted to the delight of huge crowds of spectators

July

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day - July 1st, festivities commemorating the transfer of the sovereignty from the UK

August

• Hungry Ghosts Festival - locals believe that during this time, ghosts are liberated from the underworld and are free to roam the earth. The focus of this August festival is a series of rituals performed by the living, to appease the ghosts lest they seek retribution against anyone who wronged them during their lives

September

• Mid-Autumn Festival - late September, this major national festival is one of the most important in the lunar calendar and sees a variety of lively festivities, including displays of traditional dancing and singing. It's also tradition at this time for locals to make and consume delicious moon-shaped cakes
• Monkey God Festival - this annual affair pays tribute to the legendary Monkey God, who was cast from heaven and obliged to study the teachings of the Buddha in able to regain his immortality. Local reenact some of the Monkey God's most famous battles

October

• Cheung Yeung Festival - late October, based on the ancient folk tale of a Hong Kong man, who avoided death by climbing to the mountains. The locals pay tribute to the legend by following the same journey and making burnt offerings at its conclusion

November

• Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival - dates for this event vary, but the theme is always the same, with a number of venues showcasing the best in celluloid productions with gay and lesbian themes

December

• Dong Zhi Festival - also known as the Winter Solstice, this affair is celebrated on the night of the shortest day of the year, each December. Locals buy and wear new outfits, and enjoy get-togethers with family and friends