Hong Kong is fundamentally a Chinese country, making up 95% of the population, therefore fundamentally Chinese is the most common traditions here. Although politically ‘separated’ for almost a century, Hong Kong still maintains most of its traditions and celebrates them with much fanfare. As about 90% of the population in Hong Kong are Taoist Buddhists, most of the Chinese centric festivals are still very well preserved and celebrated.

First up is the Chinese New Year.

Also known as Lunar New Year, and known all over the world and celebrated by every Chinese, this is one of the most celebrated events in the calendar. In the Chinese tradition, there is nothing like ushering the new year with the whole family having reunion dinners, lion dance, fireworks and red decorations. Visitors here at these times (normally around late January or late February) will be able to savor and appreciate how this is celebrated yearly during these times.

Then there is the Ching Ming Festival. This is where children are known to carry out their responsibilities to clean and sweep the grave of their ancestors. Every year all over the world, the Chinese will take this day very seriously and much can be seen like paper offerings and burning of fake houses, cars and money. During this time (around April) one can see crowds of families visiting the grave and cemeteries of their loved ones, offering joss stick and candled and paper offerings, in carrying their duties as offsprings.

The Mid Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Cake Festival falls on the eight month of the lunar month on the fifteenth. Practices like staring at the moon, lanterns and candles, most parts of Hong Kong are decorated with red and colourful lanterns to provide a great sight during the festival. Taking place around the month of September, this is one of its kind festival celebrated with every country having their own unique style of praying to the moon.

Another festival that is celebrated with much fanfare is the Tuen Ng Festival. Known as Dragon Boat Festival in some parts of the world, this is a festival to honour the legendary Chu Yuan. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month, Chu Yuen was a legend to many who was a very loyal and wise subject to the emperor. Due to internal politics and envy he was wrongly accused and was sentenced to exile.

As his loyalty got better of him, he decided to commit suicide by jumping into the Mi-Lo River. Hearing this, the people of the community raced to the river to save him but was unable to do so. The Dragon Boat symbolizes the various attempts and efforts which failed. This race takes place not only in Hong Kong but in other parts of the world as well.

Christmas

Much has been said about the Chinese festivals around Hong Kong but one major celebration is Christmas and New Year. While a majority of people in Hong Kong are Chinese, they are also Catholics and Christians who take Christmas very seriously. Due to the nature of Hong Kong being preferred shopping destination, decorations and fanfare during this festive season is a great sight to behold and to appreciate. Coupled with the chilling weather of the winter, Christmas in Hong Kong is normally very special and well remembered by locals and visitors alike. Most tourists from neighboring countries would travel to Hong Kong for this festive season although tour packages would sky rocket during these times.

 While Christmas can be said to be celebrated by the Christians and Catholics, New Year’s Day on the however, is a day celebrated by everyone. New Year’s eve in Hong Kong is always celebrated with greatness and excellence. Similar to the Hogmanay Festival in Scotland, many come to Hong Kong to welcome a new year and say goodbye to the old. There would always be millions of people on the streets.To encourage these events. There would be an all around the clock transport services including the buses and the trains. Fireworks can be seen all over the place. Pyrotechnics are always a useful ingredient to mark events like this.

 In a nearby island of Cheung Chau, there exists a Cheung Chau Bun Festival this involves a major competition where the people taking part will try their best to get to the top of Bun Towers and grab buns. This is celebrated particularly by the people of Cheung Chau in around the Outlying Islands Districts. One would have to arrange to visit the islands in around May in order to experience this festival which is often over crowded, therefore prior arrangements should be made earlier.