Having lived in Hong Kong for a year and a half and experienced many a festival in this metropolis, I thought I'd bring you a top 5 festivals. Please note these are my opinion only and in no particular order of preference, in fact for ease I have put them in order of when they happen chronologically!
1. Chinese New Year!!
The most popular one! Hong Kong is the same as the rest of China when the new year comes round - it's a national holiday and there are loads of celebrations going on! The lion dance, eat special Chinese food outside in never ending market stalls, dress like a Chinese person, eat hotpot and barbecues...The best places to celebrate are Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Victoria Park. But they will be packed to the rafters - this is the party season!
When is it on? - Usually January or February (varies depending on the Chinese Calendar). It lasts for an entire week!
2. Dragon Boat Carnival!!
The Dragon Boat Carnival is basically a one day boat race with a difference. Boats of many varieties and types take part in a number of races and charity events throughout the waters around the city. Bring a lunch and just watch or join a local team and take part!
Officially it's a day of holiday to commemorate the death of a Chinese national hero who drowned himself as a protest, but these days it's fun and entertaining rather than morbid.
When does it happen? - Mostly on a weekend at the start or middle of June.
3. Mid Autumn Festival!!
The mid-Autumn Festival is excellent. The weather isn't too hot. You can sample the amazing mooncake, a Chinese style cake which is only available during Mid-Autumn Festival and it comes in many varieties. My top choice of mooncake is blueberry or the white chocolate one, but also make sure you try the original one - it is made with egg inside it! At night there is a great vibe with kids playing with lanterns in the streets and everywhere lit up. As world festivals go this is quite a novelty, and this lantern craze is best witnessed in Hong Kong, because mainland Chinese people only do the traditional lanterns. In Hong Kong these lanterns can be Pokemon, elephants or anything really!
When is it? - Again depends on the Chinese Calendar but normally end of September time (or early October). It's a one day national holiday.
4. German Bier Festival!!
So you're telling me I should go all the way to Hong Kong and then drink beer from Germany? Yes I am, mainly because this is a rare time in the Hong Kong year where the locals actually let their hair down and try to party like Europeans. It's funny watching the Chinese dance to the music of Chemical Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers and DJ Otzi! Plus it's a really amazing atmosphere. Who wouldn't want to drink beer and eat pork joints when your backdrop is countless sky scrapers and a setting sun...
When does it happen? - It runs for about a month starting at the mid or end of October and lasting until November.
5. Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
If you thought the people of Hong Kong don't appreciate the finer things in life like wine and beer then think again!! The Amazing Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival is a wonderful place to relax with friends, enjoy live music, drink countless wines and eat a wide variety of local and foreign foods. Head over mid afternoon so you catch the incredible November sunset in Hong Kong...
When is it? - Normally November (and it only lasts 3-4 days)
So come to Hong Kong and try these incredible festivals - these are just a few of the many on offer in this city! There are loads more festivals in Hong Kong (such as Christmas, The Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day, Halloween Party in Lan Kwai Fong). Hong Kong is a place of suprisingly eclectic entertainment.
1. Chinese New Year!!
The most popular one! Hong Kong is the same as the rest of China when the new year comes round - it's a national holiday and there are loads of celebrations going on! The lion dance, eat special Chinese food outside in never ending market stalls, dress like a Chinese person, eat hotpot and barbecues...The best places to celebrate are Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Victoria Park. But they will be packed to the rafters - this is the party season!
When is it on? - Usually January or February (varies depending on the Chinese Calendar). It lasts for an entire week!
2. Dragon Boat Carnival!!
The Dragon Boat Carnival is basically a one day boat race with a difference. Boats of many varieties and types take part in a number of races and charity events throughout the waters around the city. Bring a lunch and just watch or join a local team and take part!
Officially it's a day of holiday to commemorate the death of a Chinese national hero who drowned himself as a protest, but these days it's fun and entertaining rather than morbid.
When does it happen? - Mostly on a weekend at the start or middle of June.
3. Mid Autumn Festival!!
The mid-Autumn Festival is excellent. The weather isn't too hot. You can sample the amazing mooncake, a Chinese style cake which is only available during Mid-Autumn Festival and it comes in many varieties. My top choice of mooncake is blueberry or the white chocolate one, but also make sure you try the original one - it is made with egg inside it! At night there is a great vibe with kids playing with lanterns in the streets and everywhere lit up. As world festivals go this is quite a novelty, and this lantern craze is best witnessed in Hong Kong, because mainland Chinese people only do the traditional lanterns. In Hong Kong these lanterns can be Pokemon, elephants or anything really!
When is it? - Again depends on the Chinese Calendar but normally end of September time (or early October). It's a one day national holiday.
4. German Bier Festival!!
So you're telling me I should go all the way to Hong Kong and then drink beer from Germany? Yes I am, mainly because this is a rare time in the Hong Kong year where the locals actually let their hair down and try to party like Europeans. It's funny watching the Chinese dance to the music of Chemical Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers and DJ Otzi! Plus it's a really amazing atmosphere. Who wouldn't want to drink beer and eat pork joints when your backdrop is countless sky scrapers and a setting sun...
When does it happen? - It runs for about a month starting at the mid or end of October and lasting until November.
5. Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival
If you thought the people of Hong Kong don't appreciate the finer things in life like wine and beer then think again!! The Amazing Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival is a wonderful place to relax with friends, enjoy live music, drink countless wines and eat a wide variety of local and foreign foods. Head over mid afternoon so you catch the incredible November sunset in Hong Kong...
When is it? - Normally November (and it only lasts 3-4 days)
So come to Hong Kong and try these incredible festivals - these are just a few of the many on offer in this city! There are loads more festivals in Hong Kong (such as Christmas, The Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day, Halloween Party in Lan Kwai Fong). Hong Kong is a place of suprisingly eclectic entertainment.
About the Author:
Learn more about Hong Kong and its festivals. Stop by Jonny Blair's amazing site where you can find out all about working and travelling the world on a budget.
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