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Festivals in Hong Kong for 2012


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Hong Kong Festivals for 2012

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Chinese festivals in Hong Kong can add excitement, color and spectacle to those fortunate enough to be visiting Hong Kong at festival times. Hong Kong festivals can be a whirlwind of noise, light, fireworks, parades, incense smoke, dancers and much more. Fortunately there are a variety of festivals which take place throughout the year and pre-booking accommodation & flights is advisable as some festivals can become quite crowded.

Dates for some festivals vary from year to year according to the lunar date. Festivals taking place in Hong Kong during 2012 are listed below but before planning any trips, always check other sources for up to date information regarding weather, transport and festival information.

2008 - 2011 dates for Hong Kong Chinese Festivals.
Hong Kong Chinese Festivals for 2012
Date Festival Description
23rd January 2012 Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year celebrations starting Year of the Dragon.
24th January 2012 Birthday of Che Kung
Many centuries ago, Che Kung (a Sung Dynasty General) saved Sha Tin Valley from a plague. People visit the temple for good fortune.
6th February 2012 Spring Lantern Festival
Often called Chinese Valentine`s Day. It represents the end of the Chinese lunar new year festivals.
4th April 2012 Ching Ming
Ching Ming (clear & bright) is a festival where people seek blessings from ancestors who have passed away. Graves are cleaned, paper money is burned for those in the afterlife and offering of food & wine are made.
13th April 2012 Tin Hau (Goddess of the Sea)
Fishermen or anyone who makes a living from the sea will celebrate Tin Hau`s birthday for prosperity, safety & good luck.
28th April 2012 Cheung Chau Bun Festival
A colorful procession takes place on the island of Cheung Chau where steam buns are offered to the spirits at Pak Tai Temple to appease them for the disturbance caused in building the temple.
28th April 2012 Birthday of Lord Buddha
As Buddhism is the major religion, Lord Buddha`s birthday is celebrated by all temples on this day.
28th April 2012 Birthday of Tam Kung
Celebrated by fishermen as it brings them happiness & security.
23rd June 2012 International Dragon Boat Races
The Tuen Ng festival attracts teams from many countries which take part in the Dragon Boat Races.
11th August 2012 Birthday of Kwan Tai
Kwan Tai is the God of War and is worshipped by police & gangsters.
23rd August 2012 Seven Sisters Festival
Centuries old celebration for young girls and lovers.
31st August 2012 Hungry Ghosts Festival (Yue Laan)
People burn money & make offerings to the spirit world as ghosts roam the earth for one lunar month.
30th September 2012 Mid-Autumn Festival
People eat sweet 'moon cakes' & Causeway Bay has a spectacular fire dragon dance to celebrate 14th century fight against Mongols.
1st October 2012 Monkey God Festival
Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, people worship the playful Monkey God by making offerings & lighting incense. The Monkey God Temple is in Sau Mau Ping in Kowloon.
12th October 2012 Birthday of Confucius
Birthday celebrating one of China's greatest philosophers.
23rd October 2012 Chung Yeung Festival
Families pay respects and perform rituals at the graves of their ancestors.
21st December 2012 Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice) Festival
Celebrating the coming of winter on the longest night of the year. Based on ying & yang. People visit relations with gifts and celebrate into the night.




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