The Spring Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the lunar calendar, and the last day of the almost two-week-long Chinese New Year celebrations.
What happens?
This ancient tradition of lantern making goes back thousands of years, using natural materials such as bamboo, wheat, paper and silk. Over time the art form flourished, with lanterns becoming more intricate, as well as bigger and more inventive.
The lanterns can take any shape, and as 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, you can definitely expect to see some cute lanterns displayed prominently. Other auspicious symbols are goldfish, fruit, and, of course, dragons, as a symbol of power and strength.
When and where is it?
From January 12 to February 7, head to the outdoor piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui for its annual lantern display. It is the most popular one, both due to its easy access, and because of its prime location right on Victoria Harbour. Unfourtnaly, there will be no live performances this year.
There will also be a display at North District Park, Tsuen Wan Park, from January 31 to February 2.
Entrance to all the lantern carnivals is free to the public.
