by Sunny Chiu
Hong Kong is a mixture of many cultures influenced by Western and Chinese traditions. As a result, the new year is celebrated twice in this country. The Western New Year Eve (NYE) on January 1st and the Chinese New Year (CNY) which comes between the 1st day and the 15th day of the first lunar month. NYE in Hong Kong provides entertainment for everyone. Popular shopping malls are crowded with locals and tourists as stores offer crazy discounts. Temples are filled with people lighting incense sticks, making wishing, and practicing a ritual called Kau Cim that indicates your fortune. The Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui regions have parties, concerts, and restaurant destinations while Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, and Kwun Tong districts have more family oriented outdoor events. However, the center of the evening activity takes place at Victoria Harbor near Tsim Sha Tsui. The dramatic skyline lights up with the Symphony of lights with a ball drop taking place at Times Square shopping mall. At 11 pm, “wishing star” fireworks are set off every 15 minutes until midnight for people to make near year wishes. The New Year’s countdown starts and fireworks shoot out at the count of zero. Meanwhile, at home, incense sticks are lit with prayers for good luck and fortune.
