Friday, 13 September 2019, marks the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, a day traditionally known as Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. This is the day on the calendar when the moon is meant to be the fullest and brightest. The festival is an opportunity for families and communities to come together to give thanks for the harvest of crops, typically celebrating with festive lanterns and decadent mooncakes. A uniquely Hong Kong custom is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Originating from the Tai Hang community in the 19th century, villagers held the event to drive away bad luck.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
The performance of fire, smoke and festive fury will weave its way through the backstreets of Tai Hang over three days. Starting from 12 to 14 September, from 8:15–10:30 pm, in Tai Hang Causeway Bay (the best vantage point is Wun Sha Street). There will also be a special performance on the 13 September at Victoria Park from 10:45–11:30 pm. www.taihangfiredragon.hk
How to get there:
- Tai Hang: MTR Tin Hau Station, Exit A1. Cross King’s Road and turn right. Walk straight to the second junction on the left to enter Tung Lo Wan Road, which leads to the Tai Hang area.
- Victoria Park: MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit E, walk along Great George Street to the park; or MTR Tin Hau Station Exit A2, turn left at the exit and enter the park from Hing Fat Street.
Lantern Displays and Carnivals across Hong Kong
Neighbourhoods across Hong Kong host lantern exhibitions and carnivals during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There are traditional stage shows, palm readings, game stalls, lantern riddle quizzes and much more.
Victoria Park
- September 11-15 – Special Exhibition on Traditional Craftsmanship of Lantern Making
- September 12 – Youth Night, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
- September 13 – The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade, 10.45 to 11.30 pm
- September 13 – The Carnival Night, 8.00 to 11 pm
Tseun Wan Park
- September 11-15 – Main Lantern displays, 7.30 to 10.00 pm
- September 14 – Youth Night, 7.30 to 9.30 pm
Sha Tin Park
- September 7-15 Main Lantern displays, 6:30 to 11.00 pm, (extended to midnight on 13 September)
- September 15 Youth Night, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
‘Magic Behind the Moon’
- 30 August to 22 September, an interactive lighting installation using special lighting effects and vaporisers to create mist over pools and add atmosphere. From 6.30 to 11.00 pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in TST.
- September 7 – Pipa Music Show, 5:00 to 6:00 pm
- September 13 – The LED Fire Dragon Dance Fiesta, 8:30 to 9:30 pm
- September 14 – Chinese Martial Arts and Singing Show, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- September 14 – Dizi Music Show, 5:00 to 5:45 pm
- September 14 – City Singers Performance, 6:30 to 7:00 pm
- October 6 – Chinese Music Ensemble, 4:00 to 5:15 pm
‘Rejoice in the Blooming Floral Lanterns’ – Lee Tung Avenue will be hosting a series of events during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Avenue will be lined with traditional Chinese colorful lanterns printed with Peony, Lotus and Orchid patterns creating a magical place for the following performances:
