Hong Kong honours Tin Hua with celebrations starting from April 29

Hong Kong-BoatTin Hua, the city’s most popular deity with over 70 temples dedicated to her, is honoured every year on her birthday on April 29.  Fishermen and boat people believed that she possessed the power to forecast the weather and save people from shipwrecks. Today, to celebrate her special day, fishermen adorn their boats with colourful flags while others go to temples to thank her for her protection and to ask for safety and abundance in the coming year.

It is an exhilarating experience to see Hong Kong go into festive mode with major celebrations for Tin Hua.  Among the biggest events is the 50- year old procession from Yuen Long Town to Tin Hau Temple at Tai Shu Ha, attended by many worshippers each year.  The three-hour procession features lion dances, dragon dances and marching bands from local schools, among others.

Also worth going to Hong Kong for are the traditional Cantonese operas performed in various districts such as Cha Kwo Ling Village in Kwun Tong or Feng Shue Wo Road in Tsing Yi.  Exotic parades including dragon and lion dances await visitors at areas such as Joss House Bay in Sai Kung.  Discover true local colour by joining the Hong Kong people as they worship the Goddess of the Sea.

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