Hong Kong's Lunar New Year Celebration

One of Hong Kong’s most important and beloved holidays is the Lunar New Year. In accordance with the animals of the Chinese zodiac, each year is symbolized by one of those animals. For the holiday, much of the city is decked out in bedazzling lights. New Year’s celebrations extend well beyond one day. A weeklong Chinese New Year Fiesta and colorfully clad dancers perform dragon and lion dances in the streets, hotel lobbies and malls. Traditionally, small, red envelopes (lai see) with money are given as gifts for luck. Flower displays are everywhere and flower markets spring up around the city. The flower markets sell flowers and plants that have special significance in their culture. Restaurants and stores have flowers on display that bring good luck and immortality.

The Chinese New Year is a time of much celebration in Hong Kong. During the festivities, one spectacular event that shouldn’t be missed is the Chinese New Year Parade. Tens of thousands of visitors flow into the city attracted by revelry in a city dressed up in bright lights and incredible decorations.

Hong Kong’s incredible Victoria Harbor waterfront serves as a backdrop for the parade route. Lavishly decorated, colorful floats, street entertainers, dancers and international performers entertain and amaze the crowed along the route. Music is an integral part of Chinese celebrations and the parade is no exception. The air is filled with songs from several marching bands and colorful costumes dazzle the spectators.

The night after the Chinese New Year Parade, an absolutely incredible fireworks display lights up the evening sky over Victoria Harbor to welcome the incoming year. Spectators vie for prime viewing positions along the waterfront or watch from one of the many boats that cruise around the harbor. Sha Tin racetrack hosts an impressive horseracing event on day three of the celebration.

Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebration is compromised of several events of which the parade is the biggest. Televised to millions and seen live by hundreds of thousands, the parade is now taking place in the evening making the light displays all the more vivid.

The upcoming celebration (2012) is for the Year of the Dragon, Dragons and lions play such a large role in Chinese culture that they are well represented in the parade regardless of the zodiac animal being celebrated. Lively dancers wearing heads representing giant lions perform as long dragons snake through the air as they are held up and manipulated by the more than 20 people needed to enchant the massive throng of parade watchers.

Depending on when the first day of the lunar New Year starts, the celebrations can begin as early as January 21 and run to as late as February 19. Officially lasting fifteen days, in Hong Kong the main parts of the celebration is held over three days with the parade leading it off on February 14, 2010. Bleacher seating costs HK180 – HK300 however standing along the parade route is free.

With everything that Hong Kong has to offer, the perfect time to arrive is in time to participate in the Lunar New Year celebration. The fusion of East and West, old and new create unforgettable memories for those that immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and customs of this vibrant city.