Hong Kong
Chinese New Year
02.02.2011 - 05.02.2011
22 °C
Arriving in Hong Kong is like pulling on a pair of comfy slippers, but this visit - for Chinese New Year - was like someone had taken to those slippers with a bedazzler. Everything was bright, clean, shiny and new, and there was an intense vibe that I've not felt before; somewhere intersecting excitement, joy and anticipation.
The two main New Year events were of course centred on Victoria Harbour, which had been dressed up for the occasion.
On New Year's Day-night was the New Year Parade, comprising some 36 elements (floats and/or groups). It was a lavish production sponsored by Cathay Pacific. And now I know why I couldn't afford to fly with them for this trip - I would have been subsidising the overly-generous showbags provided to parade ticket-holders! Not only were we ticket-holders, and therefore guaranteed a good view, we actually had front-row seats.
The following evening was the big fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. I had thought the crowds that turned out for the parade were exceptional, but that was nothing compared to the fireworks throng. Perhaps it's the one night of the year that Hong Kong residents make their jaded way to their fabulous waterfront to admire the view??
Posted by Andrea R 08.02.2011 12:41 Archived in Hong Kong Tagged skylinespeoplepartiesfestivalfireworksnew_year
