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Chinese festivals in Hong Kong are an enchanting and one of the chief attractions in the city. Hong Kong's major traditional festivals are colorful in which thousands of people turn out to join the celebrations. Fireworks, festive feasting, lion and dragon dancers, incense smoke, Chinese opera, mah jong, fortune-telling, carnivals and parades come together in a variety of combinations to create a uniquely festive atmosphere seen nowhere else in the world. One such festival is the Kwan Tai Birthday in Hong Kong A Kwan Tai is considered the "God of War" and carries a sword; he is the patron god of the Hong Kong police and interestingly, gangsters. Kwan Tai is celebrated on the 15th day of the fifth moon. It is a historical figure from the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-265); Kwan Tai was later deified as a Taoist symbol of integrity and loyalty. You can visit the Man Mo temple on Hong Kong Island's Hollywood road to see a statue of him from the 19th Century. Unlike most temple statues it is a colorful one. An ever-burning lamp stands before his statue. This temple is not just for him though, it is also for the God of literature as well which is why the temple is "Civil and martial". There is a small modern Kwan Tai temple on Cheung Chau as well. During this festival, devotees bring offerings and give prayers up for his protection and blessing. Local people don't need much excuse celebrating and festivals in honor of their old gods. Expect processions, live music, dancing and, of course, many street vendors selling all manner of delicious dim sum. For Kwan Tai Birthday visit the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road in Hong Kong.
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