Chinese New Year

Hong Kong is a city of bright and colorful festivals which reflect Chinese tradition and customs, art and culture. Chinese New Year, Hong Kong is perhaps the most significant and grand festival in this city.

During this event, the rich and poor, old and young, all emerge with a fresh energy and enthusiasm to welcome the New Year. People engage themselves in a shopping spree for friends and family. The houses, buildings, shops, restaurants, parks, gardens and streets all are decorated with colorful lamps and bright flowers. The most common flowers to be seen in the market are narcissus. Other flowers include orchids and peach blossoms. An elaborate and ornate international parade is organized for this event. The gorgeously dressed people taking part in this parade, the beats of the drum, the rhythmic music and glittering lights all lend glitz and glam to this splendiferous event.

Chinese New Year, Hong Kong also features fireworks which are lighted up on the basis of scientific technology. This illuminated show creates a magical aura and is something to be marveled at. Owing to the attractive discounts and bargains, the shops and markets comparatively remain more crowded than in any other time of the year. People involve in a great shopping experience and purchase an array of gift items for near and dear ones. Ranging from garments, accessories, decorative items, to antiques, souvenirs, flowers and food items like chocolates, fruits and biscuits, the shops seem to have endless products especially for the New Year in store for the people.

Various sports events like horse race and soccer are organized during this occasion. The people offer prayers in the temples of Sik Sik Yuen and Wong Tai Sin. They also spin the Wheel of Fortune in the Che Kung Temple for good luck. Some of the special delicacies consumed during the New Year are fish, dumplings, kwatji, turnip cakes and candies. There are certain superstitions observed and followed by the Chinese people during this occasion. Mopping the floor, cutting of hair, discussing death, purchasing shoes, pants and books are all considered bringing ill fortune. Lighting up rooms, relishing candy treats and opening of doors and windows are regarded as harbingers of good luck.