Hong Kong’s festivals are like the city itself: unique, spectacular, an equal mix of earthy history and gaudy future. Hong Kong KNows how to put on a show, although not all celebrations are as expansive as, say, Chinese New Year. What you see as a visitor is not all there is to a festival. There is usually also ways of marking the hioliday “behind the scenes”, at home, in a local meeting spot, or in a temple. For lovers of spectical or culture in general, frestival time in Hong Kong is a great time to visit. Because Hong Kongers hail from China, all celebrations are Chinese in origin, but distinctly Hong Kong in practice.

Lunar New Year is the first, and by many accounts, the biggest holiday on Hong Kong’s calender. New Year takes place on the first day of the year’s lunar calender, usually in late January of early February.

On the 15th day of the new year, the Lantern Festival is held to herald the end of New Year’s celebration and the beginging of the New Year. Paper lanterns are hung from many houses. They also light public spaces like Victoria Park.

Perhaps the best known holiday is the Dragon Boat Festival. Many movies and National Geographic specials have included footage of the dramatic armada. Long thin boats race across Hong Kong Harbor with the oarsmen rowing to the beat of a traditional drum. There is a huge carnival-like party harborside on this day, which usually falls in June (the 5th day or the 5th lunar month).

Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most exciting times of year for children. It falls in Late September or early October, and is usually overseen by the large, bright moon which is a mainstay in Hong Kong’s clear autumn sky. Children bring lanterns to parks or squares and moon cakes (a small, dense, and sickly sweet cake) are on the menu. This festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is a great time for tourists with children to visit Hong Kong.

On July 1st, Hong KOng marks the anniversary of its return to CHinese rule. The event includes a gaugy fireworks display that can be seen from along Hong Kong Harbor. Because of the sometimes tepid relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing, this festival is a dubious occasion for some Hong Kongers. Still, it’s quite a spectical.

The above are the main festivals in Hong Kong. Here is are some more specialized goings-on.