This annual event at Tai Hang Village, Causeway Bay has been held since 1877 and has grown in popularity every year. It is held on three evenings during the Mid-Autumn Festival and starts at the Lin Fa Temple, where the dragon is blessed and then continues on his long, winding and noisy parade, accompanied by dancers and drummers, through the nearby streets to Victoria Park and then returns to the temple.
A previous organised RAS visit to the festival was held in 1992. But this time we will also include a short illustrated talk by a local historian/photographer, who will give background history of the ceremony, preparations for the event and behind-the-scene pics. We then have a quick look at preparation of the dragon on the way to an early supper in Tai Hang Village. After our meal, we then walk to nearby Wu Sha Street, to find a spot near the starting point of the parade, to see the eye dotting of the dragon and subsequent festivities.
The Speaker
Sylvia Fok-Midgett is a Hong Kong born photographer/historian who has written articles on local culture and heritage and has made a particular study of the Fire Dragon Festival over many years.
Programme
6.00–6.45pm: Illustrated talk by Sylvia Fok-Midgett at the Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay, (G/F Activities Room No. 1). Then we walk along to Ormsby Street to see the final preparation of the dragon.
7.00–8.00 pm: Meal at Chor Bazaar Restaurant in Tang Hang Village for vegetarian supper.
8.15 -9.00 pm: Walk to nearby Wu Sha Street (near Lin Fa Temple) to take up position to see the start of the ceremony with entry of the dragon, eye dotting and selection of dragon and lion dances.
9.00–10.30pm: Members free to follow the progress of the dragon and its colourful entourage on its winding route, and when they have had enough excitement, then make their own way home.
Coordinators - Mr. Bill Greaves and Ms. Davina Lee
Admission: HKD128 per member (including vegetarian meal, excluding drinks)
Booking: If you would like to attend this fascinating, once-a-year event, kindly send cheque to RASHK, GPO Box 3864, Hong Kong, made out to Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch. Please also add your full name and email address at the back of your cheque for receipt of further details.