Experience Hong Kong’s Most Famous Festivals

Hong Kong is a dynamic Asian city in terms of cultures with many fascinating traditions that come to life at events and festivals throughout the year, dedicated to the likes of art, religion and more. There’s nothing better than a Chinese festival – think vibrant colours, the scent of incense and amazing traditional performances. Visiting Hong Kong during a festival is one of the best ways to immerse in the city’s fascinating cultures. See our top pick of annual events below.

Chinese New Year

The most significant Chinese festival of them all is of course the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated in style at Hong Kong. This phenomenal cultural spectacle takes place each January/February, consisting of colourful street parades, red lanterns that illuminate the city, traditional performances, mouth-watering cuisines and pretty flower markets, as well as an epic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Brightsun Travel offers excellent Hong Kong cheap flight deals, so why not plan a visit here and celebrate the Chinese New Year?

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

This Taoist ritual event takes place at the Hong Kong island of Cheung Chau during the fourth lunar month each year, honouring the deity Pak Tai who is said to have driven away evil spirits from the region. This colourful event comprises of celebrated local traditions which include the creation of large bamboo towers covered with steamed buns, a bun scrambling competition, opera performances, lion dances and a floating parade of children dressed in traditional costumes.

Hong Kong Arts Festival

The Hong Kong Arts Festival takes place every February/March, where emerging local artists and international artists gather to showcase their creative talent from a variety of genres in the performing arts. This major cultural event has previously commissioned over 200 productions, including opera, contemporary dance, theatre and music performances. The festival also organises activities that allow audiences to engage with the artists, including educational workshops, cultural tours, masterclasses, exhibits and backstage visits.

Ghost Festival

Hong Kong’s Hungry Ghost Festival takes place on the seventh Lunar month each year which is considered as the ghost month, when the gates of the afterlife are open, allowing restless spirits and deceased ancestors to roam freely and visit their living descendants. This traditional Taoist and Buddhist festival is celebrated by the city’s Chiu Chow community who take part in rituals to appease the spirits, which includes giving out burned incense, joss paper, food and more.

Clockenflap

Music enthusiasts should definitely experience Hong Kong’s Clockenflap festival, one of the city’s premier music festivals that brings a line-up of emerging local talent and established international artists from a diverse array of backgrounds. Artists and art institutions join the festivities at Clockenflap with some colourful art installations, and there are other unique attractions and interactive experiences here, set amongst Hong Kong’s incredible skyline. Clockenflap makes for a great weekend of fun, music, art and extensive culinary options.

Book cheap tickets to Hong Kong from the UK with Brightsun and plan your visit during one of these fantastic festivals. Please note that the events are based on the lunar calendar, so vary in terms of dates each year.

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Brightsun Travel has a wide range of cheap airfares to Far East so that you can take a city break with a difference this holiday.