Welcome the Year of the Snake with more than a Hissss
Hong Kong celebrates Chinese New Year with exciting festivities
The Year of the Snake brings steady progress and attention to detail as it opens the Chinese New Year Festival on February 10. In keeping with the spirit of the New Year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board came up with a list of things to kick off 2013.
So what are you waiting for? Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Hong Kong! Start the year with a fresh perspective by joining any of these Chinese New Year festivities happening all over Asia’s World City from February 4-23.
Flower Markets, February 4-9
Join the locals as they hit the flower markets in search of the perfect bloom to bring them good luck for the coming year. In return, you’ll be treated to a riot of colors and aromas, and the chance to mingle with the crowd as they engage in some quintessential holiday shopping.
Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, February 10
The world-famous night parade is one of the best-loved events of all the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong. Now on its 18th year, and sponsored by Cathay Pacific for the 15th consecutive year, the parade snakes around Tsim Sha Tsui in a stream of brightly colored floats and features international performing artists that turns the harbor-front area into a giant street party. Starting at 6 PM, there will be roving performers and games to warm up the crowds along the parade route.
Parade Floats Exhibits and Stage Performances, February 11-23
Get real close to the magnificent floats that were showcased in this year’s parade. From February 11 to 17, they’ll be on display at various spots around town. At night, they will be lit up to make for great photographs. Colorful groups will also perform on February 11 and 12.
2013 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display, February 11
Thousands will line up on both sides of iconic Victoria Harbour on the second day of Chinese New Year to witness Hong Kong as it ushers in the Year of the Snake with an astounding fireworks display. Join them and start the year with a heart-stopping bang!
Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing), February 12
This day at the races is held on the third day of the Chinese New Year, when local sports fans head to Sha Tin Racecourse hoping to kick off the New Year with a win.
Chinese New Year Fortune-seeking Trip
Throughout Hong Kong, people take time to say their gratitude for the past 12 months and pray for good fortune for the coming year. Popular places to perform these rituals include the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple (burning incense, shaking out fortune sticks); Yuen Yuen Institute (praying to the deity Tai Shui); Che King Temple (spinning the Wheel of Fortune to dispel bad luck and encourage good fortune); Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees (making wishes at the fabled trees in Tai Po); and paying tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo) at the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan. Of course, there is nothing to stop you from shoring up some good fortune by doing the same.
For more information, visit ww.discoverhongkong.com.
