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Tai Hang Fire Dragon Festival 2024

On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the streets of Tai Hang resonate with the vibrant sounds of gongs and drums. And the intense smell of incense heralds the arrival of the century-old fire dragon as it dances for good fortune.

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is staged for three consecutive nights (16 to 18 September) on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival to bring good fortune to the neighbourhood and its residents.

The 220-foot dragon is handcrafted each year by the Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association, a process that takes around two months. The head and tail sections are constructed of rattan, and the body of thick rope with the dragon’s body then wrapped in chamber bitter leaves.

The dragon’s body is pierced with incense sticks ahead of the consecration ceremony which takes place the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival, at the Lin Fa Kung Temple. After the dragon’s eyes are painted on, the fire dragon is alive.

This year the traditional joss sticks have been replaced with 10,000 LED
bulbs and the route extended so more people can enjoy the dance up-close.

images: HK Tourism

Tuen Ng Festival Drone Show

A festive Dragon Boat drone show organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board to celebrate the Tuen Ng festival attracted the crowds to the harbourfront last night.

A fleet of 1,000 illuminated drones used the sky as their canvas and painted drums, dragon boat races, and other topical images, showcasing Hong Kong’s traditions.

There’s another drone show on Saturday 15 June, the first day of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

Click on any image for the full gallery

Tuen Ng Festival Drone Show
Date: 8pm, 10 June, 2024
Venue: Victoria Harbour
Tickets: Free

image: HK Tourism

Tiananmen Square 35th Anniversary

Today we remember those who died in and around Tian’anmen Square in 1989.

We take time to light a candle in their memory! Not to make a political statement but because honouring and remembering those who have died is an important and integral part of Hong Kong, Chinese and yes English culture.

That some would threaten violence towards those who wish to remember the dead says far more about them than us… What next, will Ching Ming Festival be banned as well?

Cheung Chau Bun Festival Drone Show

The first Hong Kong Tourism Board drone show over Victoria Harbour took place on the 11 May. Thankfully the sky was clear and the visually impressive show was enjoyed by all.

A thousand drones hovered about 90 metres above Victoria Harbour forming different dynamic patterns depicting elements from the traditional festivals including the Cheung Chau Bun Festival and Buddha’s Birthday. The most spectacular and eye-catching were the 60-metre-high giant bun tower and the 30-metre “lucky bun”.

Two more drone shows have been announced for June to promote the Dragon Boat Festival:
10 June (Monday) – Public Holiday for Dragon Boat Festival
15 June (Saturday) – First day of “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”

Click on any image for the full gallery.

Drone view video

Cheung Chau Bun Festival Drone Show
Date: 8pm, 11 May, 2024
Venue: Victoria Harbour
Tickets: Free

image: HK Tourism

Labour Day Fireworks @ Victoria Harbour, 1 May 2024

The Hong Kong Tourism Board‘s first Labour Day firework display took place on 1 May over Victoria Harbour. Thankfully the weather held and the 10-minute pyrotechnic display was a vibrant start to ‘Golden Week’.

Click on any image for the full gallery.

image: HK Tourism

Hong Kong Art Week: 25-31 March 2024

The art world again focuses on Hong Kong this March with several exhibitions bringing thousands of art pieces from emerging and established artists to the SAR.

As the old cliche goes ‘one man’s art though is another’s trash’ and you’ll wonder exactly what the attraction of some pieces are – but there’s enough variety that you’ll likely find a few things to discus, enjoy and perhaps even buy.

Art Central
A contemporary art fair in the heart of Hong Kong with over 100 exhibitors showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established galleries from across Asia.

Art Central
Date: 28-31 March 2024
Venue: Central Harbourfront
Tickets: $850, $270, $250 HKTicketing
More info:
28 March: 12nn-5pm / 5-9pm
29 March: 12nn -3pm / 3-6pm
30 March: 11am-7pm
31 March: 11am-5pm

Art Basel
Many of the world’s leading modern and contemporary art galleries display paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, prints, photography, film, video, and digital art by over 4,000 artists.

Art Basel
Date: 27-30 March, 2024
Venue: HK Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $3,680, $1,650, $1,100, $990, $620, $550, $420, $350, $225 from HKTicketing
More info:
27 March: 5-9pm
28 March: 2-8pm
29 March: 2–8pm
30 March: 12 noon–6pm

Happy New Year!

All of us at bc magazine would like to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2024!

image: HK Tourism

Hong Kong Public Holidays 2024

Dates for your dairy… General Public Holidays for 2024

Add Hong Kong’s public holidays to your e-calendar at 1823 Hong Kong Public Holidays iCal Calendar.

Note: As the second day of Lunar New Year in 2024 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.