Hong Kong celebrates long mid-autumn festival weekend with enthusiasm

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Hong Kong came alive as residents and tourists flooded the streets for an extended weekend of festivities combining the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebrations.

The city buzzed with activity as people indulged in night market snacks, witnessed a captivating fire dragon dance, and simply soaked in the vibrant atmosphere.

Notable figures including Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po were seen mingling with the crowds, symbolizing the unity of the community. During an interaction with the public, Chief Executive Lee responded to a call not to suppress youngsters with a heartfelt declaration, “We love youngsters.”

This year’s celebrations mark the first large-scale event since the end of the pandemic, coinciding with the government’s “Night Vibes” campaign aimed at revitalizing the nighttime economy.

Anticipating an influx of approximately 1 million mainland Chinese visitors over their eight-day “golden week” holiday, the city is optimistic about its recovery.

Paul Chan visited Tai Hang along with Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung for the fire dragon dance, a cherished intangible cultural heritage event that made a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus. Addressing the audience in Tai Hang, Chan expressed his optimism for Hong Kong’s recovery and encouraged residents to contribute to the city’s nighttime vibrancy.

Despite record-breaking temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 33.7 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit), the enthusiasm of the people remained undeterred. Shopping malls also witnessed a surge in visitors, drawn by special dining offers and discounts.

To accommodate the festive crowds, extended transportation services were provided, including overnight operations for most MTR lines and light rail routes. Additionally, bus services from KMB and LWB were extended into the nighttime hours.

As Hong Kong embraces this vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebration, the city is not only marking a cultural milestone but also sending a clear message of resilience and unity in the face of challenging times.

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