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The traditional dumpling festival of the people on Cheung Chau Island in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is estimated to attract about 60,000 residents and tourists.
The Buddha's Birthday (April 8th of the lunar calendar), which falls on May 15th of the Gregorian calendar this year, is also the day of the traditional Dumpling Festival of the people on Cheung Chau Island in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China). It is estimated that the festival will attract about 60,000 people and tourists to participate.
On Buddha's Birthday, Hong Kong people also have a day off, so early in the morning many people took the ferry to Cheung Chau Island to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere here.
Despite the hot weather and having to queue up to board the ferry, the flow of people to the island has not decreased.
Coming to Changzhou on this day, locals and tourists will be able to explore activities including the procession of dumpling towers parading around the Pak Tai Temple to express gratitude and ask for help from the gods, watching Chinese opera, lion dances and martial arts performances. Of which, the colorful parade and the final round of the dumpling-snatching competition at 11:45 p.m. are two highlights of the annual festival.
Dressed in colorful costumes, the parade's "child actors" dressed as characters from the past and present are lifted into the air on stands and carried through narrow streets to an area with bamboo towers covered with dumplings, which are also symbols of the festival.
The costumes in the parade are modeled after famous or popular figures at the time of the annual festival or are themed close to current events and are very elaborate in design.
This year's "child actors" play officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, with the issue of garbage collection fees being hotly discussed.
At midnight, many young people will climb a 14-meter-high bamboo tower to grab the buns bearing the words “Peace.” The more buns they grab and the closer they get to the top of the bun tower, the more luck and blessings they will receive. “Snatching buns” has gradually developed into a meaningful sports competition.
In addition, when participating in this festival, visitors should not miss the traditional dumplings here. Many visitors lined up in front of dumpling shops to buy "Binh An" dumplings for their families or as gifts for their loved ones.
The dumplings here are not pleated but plump and vegetarian, as big as an adult’s palm, with the word “Peace” printed on the front in red. During the festival, thousands of handmade dumplings are prepared. In addition, festival participants will receive dumplings with lucky marks.
Nguyen Minh Quan, a Vietnamese living in Hong Kong, shared that his parents take him to this festival every year. This is a unique traditional festival and dumplings are also a traditional dish in Hong Kong.
Cheung Chau is a small island only about 16km from the center of Hong Kong, but has a relaxed atmosphere in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
This is an ideal place for a day trip if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Visitors not only get to admire and explore the unique activities of one of the most exciting festivals in Hong Kong, but also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes, including the famous dumplings here. This also helps Cheung Chau Island become an increasingly attractive tourist destination for many visitors.
TH (according to Vietnam+)