CHINESE FESTIVALS - First Moon

Chinese New Year
Luner Dates: Day One of First Moon
Western Dates: 7, Feb 2008
*The western dates will have differences in each year.

Hong Kong offers visitors an amazing Chinese New Year celebration experience! Chinese New Year is always special, being the biggest event on the Lunar calendar and Hong Kong people mark the occasion with a unique fusion of ancient customs and modern fun in the world's biggest Chinese New Year celebration. There are flower markets, a spectacular night parade, exciting fireworks, fast-paced sporting events and more to enjoy.


Flower Markets
Join the happy throngs flocking to the flower markets looking for an auspicious bloom or plant for the New Year. Kumquat trees, narcissus and peonies bring prosperity, peach blossoms add fire to romance, while tangerine plants with leaves intact help ensure long-lasting relationships and "fruitful" marriages. So, mingle with the huge, happy crowds and enliven your senses as you prepare to welcome a new year!

The most famous flower market held in Victoria Park every year.

Prade
Selected by Lonely Planet Bluelist as one of the world’s most fascinating attractions and celebrations, the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade is one of the best-loved events of the entire New Year’s celebrations! The theme in 2008 was “Riding High – New Year Spectacular!”, with the parade’s international and local performers putting on energetic demonstrations to highlight the theme.

This was the 13th parade organised by HKTB and the 10th consecutive year in which was sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways. It featured a brand-new route which snaked around Tsim Sha Tsui East and provided spectators with stunning views of Victoria Harbour to complement this already colourful extravaganza.

In 2009, the first day of Chinese New Year will be celebrated on 26 January. Stay tuned to this website for the latest information on all the exciting celebrations coming up!


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BIRTHDAY OF CHE KUNG

Luner Dates: Day Two, Mirst Moon
Western Dates: 8, Feb 2008
*The western dates will have differences in each year.

Hong Kong's gamblers have their own god to bring them good luck for the year.

Che Kung, a Sung Dynasty general, became an immortal and was elevated to a Taoist deity after he saved the inhabitants of Sha Tin Valley in the New Territories from a plague. This centuries-old tradition is celebrated by thousands of believers who flock to his temple to wish him happy birthday on the second or the third day of Lunar New Year.

Birthday of Che Kung The temple, which coincidentally lies near the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Sha Tin Racecourse, has been renovated and is a popular place of worship. Many seeking Che Kung's good fortune visit the temple to consult fortune-tellers, who turn a fan-bladed wheel of fortune three times to ensure good luck in the coming year.

Spring Lantern Festival
Luner Dates: Day Three, First Moon
Western Dates: 9, Feb 2008
*The western dates will have differences in each year.

Adding a final splash of colour to Chinese New Year is the popular Chinese Valentine’s Day! Following an old Chinese Tradition, flower markets, restaurants, homes and parks are filled with colourful lanterns in traditional designs. Visit the parks listed below and celebrate the traditional festival with lantern riddle quizzes, fortune telling, games and performances!