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Festivals
There are 17 designated public holidays in Hong Kong each year. In addition to Christmas, Good Friday and Easter, Hong Kong celebrates Buddha’s birthday and
other traditional Chinese festivals. Check the trade development councils website at
www.tdctrade.com/visitor
The most important festival of all is the Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February depending on the lunar calendar. Hong Kong effectively closes down
for a week around Chinese New Year.
Festivals are enjoyed by adults as well as children, watching or participating in the Dragon Boat Races, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival
when throngs of people make their way to parks and public places to light thousands of colourful paper lanterns and watch the moon throughout the night. These festivals,
with their fascinating histories, make you realize that for all its sophistication, the local Hong Kong Chinese are set on honouring their ancient Chinese rites
and traditions.
If you would like to learn more about the festivals, any bookstore in Hong Kong has offerings on traditional Chinese customs and holidays. One such book is Chinese
Festivals in Hong Kong by Barbara E. Ward and Joan Law.
For a brief overview of festival origins and the dates when they are celebrated, pick up a copy of the Hong Kong Tourist Association’s free brochure, Events
and Festivals.
Hong Kong Tourist Association
Tel: 2508 1234
Website:
www.hkta.org
General Holidays
New Year's Day
Lunar New Year's Day
The second day of the Lunar New Year
The third day of the Lunar New Year
Good Friday
The day following Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ching Ming Festival
Labour day
The Buddha's Birthday
Tuen Ng Festival
HKSAR Establishment Day
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
National Day
Chung Yeung Festival
Christmas Day
The first weekday after Christmas Day
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