How To Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in the city
The Mid Autumn Festival is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hong Kong. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. For expat families living in Hong Kong, this festival presents a great opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and create lasting memories. Here are 10 things you can do in Hong Kong for Mid Autumn Festival 2023:
1. Attend the Fire Dragon Dance: The Fire Dragon Dance is a spectacular event that takes place in Tai Hang village every year during the Mid Autumn Festival. Join the locals as they parade through the narrow streets carrying a 67-meter long dragon made of incense sticks. The visual spectacle combined with the rhythmic beating of drums is a treat for all ages.
2. Explore Victoria Park Lantern Displays: Victoria Park in Causeway Bay turns into a colorful wonderland during the festival. Take an evening stroll through the park to admire the beautiful lantern displays created by local artists. From traditional lanterns to modern illuminated installations, this is a feast for the eyes.
3. Make Your Own Lantern: Embrace the festive spirit by participating in lantern making workshops. Various community centers and cultural organizations organize these workshops where families can learn to create their lanterns using different materials and techniques. It's a great opportunity to bond with your kids and showcase their creativity.
4. Sample Mooncakes: The Mid Autumn Festival is incomplete without indulging in mooncakes – sweet treats filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even egg yolks. Explore local bakeries and specialty shops to discover the wide variety of mooncakes available. You can also find unique flavors such as durian, green tea, and even ice cream-filled mooncakes.
5. Join the Tai Hang Peking Opera Parade: Take part in the Tai Hang Peking Opera Parade, which is a fascinating blend of traditional Chinese opera and modern street performances. Admire the ornate costumes, enjoy the melodious tunes, and witness captivating performances in the vibrant streets of Tai Hang.
6. Take a Night Cruise: Explore the stunning Victoria Harbour on a night cruise during the festival. Special Mid Autumn Festival cruises offer front-row seats to the mesmerizing firework displays that illuminate the Hong Kong skyline. Enjoy the magnificent views with your family while cruising through the harbor waters.
7. Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple: Seek blessings for your family at the Wong Tai Sin Temple, a famous religious site in Hong Kong. This Taoist temple is known for its distinctive orange and red architecture and attracts devotees from all around the world during the Mid Autumn Festival. Witness the rituals, burn incense, and make wishes for prosperity and happiness.
8. Join Lantern Parades: Many neighborhoods and schools organize lantern parade events during the festival. Encourage your children to participate in these parades by decorating and carrying their own lanterns. It's a great way for them to interact with local kids and experience the festival's vibrant atmosphere.
9. Attend Outdoor Concerts and Performances: Enjoy live music performances, traditional dance shows, and theatrical performances in various parks and public spaces. Hong Kong's cultural organizations curate a wide array of free outdoor events during the festival where you can relax, sit back, and immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
10. Take a Hike: If your family is up for an adventure, why not take a hike on one of Hong Kong's scenic trails? Head to Dragon's Back or the Lantau Trail to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding natural beauty. Pack a picnic and take a break to enjoy the full moon amidst the serene landscape.
