Every year, Hong Kong marks mid-autumn with mooncakes, lanterns and fire dances. And, what's more, the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday. Here are five must-do events to celebrate in style
Mid-Autumn Festival means mooncakes and many lanterns
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Mid-Autumn Festival traces its roots to the Song Dynasty around the tenth century, when it was established as a holiday. However, the custom of worshipping the moon dates as far back as more than 3,000 years ago.
Ancient Chinese emperors would pray for the harvest, fine weather and peace at this time. Today, the moon is still worshipped, with people often placing food and fruits facing the moon and praying for good luck.
Rabbit motifs are common, decorating event posters and mooncake boxes, since the Jade Rabbit is associated with the moon festival. It's believed the markings on the moon at this time of year resemble a rabbit.
To celebrate the holiday, mooncakes are shared with family and friends. Mooncakes can be round or square, but the round shape represents completeness and reunion. The rich filling varies region to region but in Hong Kong mooncakes are often stuffed with red bean paste. Other variants include lotus seed or nuts and commonly one or two salted duck egg yolks to represent the golden moon.
Other than China, countries that recognise Mid-Autumn Festival include Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Customs and traditions vary, but at heart Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is an excuse to gather with family and friends and appreciate the moon.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
Crowds throng the streets of Tai Hang as a huge, 67m blazing fire dragon winds its way along Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Wan Road and eventually to Victoria Park.
The ceremony begins with an eye-dotting ceremony at Lin Fa Kung temple. Paint is dotted onto the dragon’s eyes to symbolise its awakening. The dragon, adorned with thousands of burning incense sticks, is then carried by hundreds of locals as it dances its way through the streets.
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has its roots in the 19th century and is officially listed as part of Hong Kong’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, 7.30 to 10.30pm, September 16, 17 & 18, Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Road, Tai Hang, at 10.30pm on September 17 the dance moves on to Victoria Park.
Mark mid-autumn with a mooncake shared with friends
Drone Show
To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, 1,000 drones will take to the air over Victoria Harbour from Wan Chai harbourfront. Be wowed as the drones weave intricate patterns in the night sky, sketching out rabbits, lanterns and fire dragons soaring over the harbour. This stunning show is designed to complement the shining moon.
Organisers note that some areas of Wan Chai harbourfront may have limited vision for certain angles and the show may not be visible from Kowloon-side. Sound systems will be set-up at the best vantage points.
The show runs for approximately ten minutes and is weather dependent.
Mid-Autumn Festival Drone Show, 8pm, September 17, Wan Chai HarbourChill and Water Sports Recreation Precinct (use Exit A3 at Exhibition Centre MTR Station).
Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance
The Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance this year is held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The dance features a fire dragon made of straw and bamboo sticks that parades through Pok Fu Lam village. The dramatic performance includes intricate rituals and set pieces with the participation of around 120 villagers. All pray for well-being and peace.
The Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance is officially listed as part of Hong Kong’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage and is organised by Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Association and Pok Fu Lam Village Kai Fong Welfare Association.
Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance, 6.30 to 12pm, September 17, Pok Fu Lam Village, Wah Fu Estate, Waterfall Bay Park.
Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival
Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Tsing Yi Park will both be celebrating with lantern displays. The displays can be viewed throughout the week leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival and will be lit at 6.30pm each evening.
The carnival will also feature a Huafu Show with traditional Chinese costumes, lantern riddles and a Mid-Autumn market.
Lanterns at Victoria Park include a 12m high display in the shape of a traditional qipao and a seven-and-a-half metre ‘Tree of Creativity’.
Bring your own lanterns to join the fun and look out for dance and music performances by local children.
Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, 6.30 to 11pm, extended to midnight on September 17, September 12 to September 17, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay and Tsing Yi Park, Tsing Yi.
St Regis Hong Kong is marking this year's festival with a moon-themed afternoon tea
Moonlit Afternoon Tea at St Regis Hong Kong
St Regis Hong Kong will be channelling the festive vibe with a Moonlit Afternoon Tea.
The hotel is partnering with British perfume brand Penhaligon’s to celebrate the autumn festive season.
Savoury creations include Luna, a crescent moon-shaped bite topped with caviar and rich egg yolk cream, lobster tart with pomegranate jelly and Foie Gras Rose with rose gel and gingerbread.
Sweet treats include a lantern-shaped dessert of juniper berry mousse and bergamot cream, and a ‘Moonglow’ confection containing jasmine and blackcurrant.
Guests will also receive a complementary Penhaligon’s Luna Hand & Body Lotion and Luna Hand & Body Wash.
Moonlit Afternoon Tea, HK$478 per person, 2.30 to 5.30pm, until October 31, St Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai.
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