Monumental skyscrapers and Cantonese cuisine are just the entryway to some of the best experiences in Hong Kong, whether you’re a local or a visitor.

There are a lot of exciting escapades in the Fragrant Harbour, but its festivals are by far one of the most exquisite and electrifying experiences.

From traditional festivities to arts and heart-thumping music festivals, this is your ultimate guide to festivals in Hong Kong.

Cultural Festivals

Immersing in the local customs and culture of a place is key to really get the peak experience when you’re travelling, or when you’re simply indulging in a short staycation.

Get to know some of the traditional Chinese festivals and events commemorated each year in Hong Kong, as well as some of the etiquette advice that people practice.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is usually celebrated during January or February, and it’s one of the most significant annual festivals in Hong Kong.

During CNY, people greet one another with a jolly, “Kung hei fat choi ”! Families get together for reunions and temple visits, and lion dancing takes over the streets and shopping malls.

Red envelopes called “lai see” are exchanged, and the entire harbour becomes lit up in all its lively glory . It’s best to plan a trip in advance to avoid peak hours, especially traffic.

Of course, you can always have celebratory cakes delivered to your loved ones during this period, if you can’t be there to attend parties yourself.

Spring Lantern Festival (Chinese Lantern Festival)

On the 15th day of the first lunar month––two weeks after Chinese New Year––another important traditional Chinese festival is celebrated.

During the Chinese Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie, Hong Kong streets are covered with colourful lanterns, usually with riddles written on them.

It is celebrated to bid farewell to the previous year. The lanterns are displayed for a month long, people eat sweet rice balls called “tang yuan”, and people flock to the streets to watch dragon and lion dances. 

Tin Hau Festival

Every third lunar month of the year, Hong Kong celebrates the birth of Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. 

Tin Hau is said to bring protection and prosperity to the Fragrant Harbour, with over 70 temples dedicated to her––a testament of the city’s rich marine heritage. 

People, old and young, visit the temples. And as usual, the streets are brought to life by extremely colourful lion and dragon dances. 

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Another historical celebration that is celebrated is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. It’s when Hong Kongers celebrate the disappearance of a plague that devastated the island in the late Shang Dynasty. 

Presently, the festival holds two main eventS: the Floating Colours Parade and the Bun Scrambling Competition.

Children are dressed up as deities, even celebrities too. They are paraded down the street, accompanied by lion dancers and the rhythmic banging of gongs. It is held on the fifth to ninth days of the fourth lunar month. 

Dragon Boat Festival

Held every fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the annual Hong Kong Dragon Festival or “Tuen
Ng Festival” is a public holiday.

People flock to the harbour to join in the massive three-day festivities down at the Central Harbourfront. 

Dragon boaters can be seen speeding throughout Victoria Harbour. Teams in colourful boats move according to the drumbeats, and onlookers cheer on enthusiastically! 

Chinese National Holiday

On October 1st, Hong Kong commemorates one of its historical events––the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. 

People and congregations celebrate it differently, but the main event is always found in Victoria Harbour. Fireworks are set off, and everyone gapes in awe at the monumental displays of illuminations.

This week is also known as the “golden week” because of its popularity amongst Chinese tourists, so if you’re planning on witnessing this occasion, better plan ahead of time.

Festival Etiquette

Traditional festivals are a time for families to get together and catch up with one another. It’s also usually when everyone gives each other a present, or have flowers delivered to one another.

Some gestures, while completely innocent, may be considered a faux pas in Hong Kong, so it’s best to know the do’s and don’ts, as well as basic etiquette.

Remember these points to avoid unintentionally offending people:

• When greeting people in Hong Kong, the appropriate way is to greet the most senior member of the group.
• Avoid white flowers or wrapping papers. It’s a colour for mourning.
• Present gifts or other presents with both hands, and accept such items with both hands as well.
• Upon receiving a gift, it’s best not to open it immediately. This gives off the idea that you’re more interested in the gift rather than the person.
• Clocks and blankets are a no-no when it comes to presents. The latter represents death while the former is said to bring a decline in prosperity.
• During meals, it’s best practice to leave just a small amount of food. This is taken as a signal that you’ve finished eating and couldn’t eat one more bite! 
• As for chopsticks, always have them laid down on the rest, and not in a bowl or a dish.

Music Festivals

Music festivals have been gaining traction since 2016, and since then, Hong Kong has become a playground for renowned and upcoming artists in the music industry.

From pop to EDM, Hong Kong hosts a multitude of these gatherings, and music enthusiasts from different countries come over to experience these parties.

Here are some of the music festivals that have been known for its astounding use of creativity and technology.

Road to Ultra

Dates: To be announced

Location: To be announced

Website: https://hongkong.roadtoultra.com/ 

Road To Ultra is one of the popular electronic music festivals in Hong Kong, and young party goers attend it in large numbers. 

Road To Ultra holds these festivals globally, and that’s not a reason why you should skip one in Hong Kong.

EDM enthusiasts flock together to see the heart-thumping performances of different DJs and artists. It’s also a fun avenue to meet other people with the same interests.

Popular figures like David Guetta, Galantis, and Axwell^Ingrosso come to perform in these events, so you are in for an ultimate trance of electrifying music and vibes.

Clockenflap

Dates: November 26–28, 2022

Location: Central Harbourfront Event Space

Website: https://www.clockenflap.com/ 

If you want to attend a Hong Kong music festival this November, then you should get your tickets to Clockenflap right away, provided there are still tickets available.

It’s an annual music and arts festival that exhibits international and local artists, art installations, and even a kid’s corner.

From locals to visitors, families to couples and small groups, the Clockenflap Festival in Hong Kong is suitable for everyone.

Take a look at the lineup of artists and the festival schedule on their official website. 

SONAR Hong Kong

Dates: To be announced

Location: To be announced

Website: https://sonarhongkong.com/ 

SONAR has one of those engaging experiences in festivals where attendees really get to feel immersed in the music and the crowd. 

It showcases innovative technology and astounding performances by various EDM artists, from those who are more popular to underground ones.

It’s one of those festivals where you just can’t help but move your body along to every beat of the music. Plus the music gets so good that you’ll be getting goosebumps! 

SONAR Hong Kong is where you will find an interesting blend of music, technology, and creativity. Keep your eyes on the updates for the official dates, venue, and tickets. You don’t want to miss this.

Music Festival Outfit Guide

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned EDM music festival attendee or a newbie, raving can get hot and sweaty.

Here’s a guide on what to wear for Hong Kong raves and EDM parties, as well as essentials to take along with you to keep you feeling your best all throughout.

• Make sure to wear a cosy pair of shoes. Music festivals mean bumping around a lot of people especially when you’re killing it on the dancefloor, so it’s best to wear closed toe shoes to keep your feet protected. 
• Have fun with unique outfits, but keep it appropriate. While it’s fun to dress up (or down), showing too much skin can get you in trouble in Hong Kong. Best to be respectful and wear something comfortable but still shows your personality. 
• Get a set of ear plugs. Protect your ears from the booming speakers, especially if you plan on staying for hours on the festival.
• Prepare a backpack or fanny pack with your essentials. A cute fanny pack or belt bag will do too, and don’t leave your belongings anywhere. 
• Don’t forget a hydration pack. You’ll be dancing and sweating a lot, so water is a must. You can also carry around a hydration packet for extra measure.
• Fancy a face mask or a bandana. This is to protect your face from the sun. It can get too hot nowadays.
• Get rave glasses for extra eye protection. Strobe lights are cool, but they can be damaging in the long run. 

Hong Kong EDM parties and music festivals are more fun when you’re comfortable and safe. So, from your choice of shoes to eye protection, it’s best to come prepared.