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A lantern carnival at Po Tsui Park, Tseung Kwan O, tonight (February 26) launched a series of lantern carnivals presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to celebrate the Spring Lantern Festival.
Supported by the Office for Cultural Affairs with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Regions, Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, the Heilongjiang Province Song and Dance Theatre performed Chinese ethnic songs and dances at the carnival. Other entertainment included Chinese traditional stage arts, puppetry, golden oldies, choral performance, fortune-telling, lantern riddle quiz and roving artists.
Lantern installations were popular spots for photo-taking. Greeting carnival-goers at the entrance of Po Tsui Park were nine beautiful peacock lanterns. Together with a seven-metre high lantern "Gather in Prosperity", and lanterns showcasing gold ingots, the gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity, and the mascot of Expo 2010 Shanghai China Haibao, the displays added festive colour to the carnival.
Lantern carnivals will also be held tomorrow (February 27) at Pak Tai Temple Playground, Cheung Chau, and on Sunday (February 28) at Ko Shan Road Park and Ko Shan Theatre. The Heilongjiang Province Song and Dance Theatre will perform Chinese ethnic songs and dances in both carnivals and festive lanterns will be on display at the three venues until Sunday. Details of the lantern carnivals are as follows:
1. New Territories West
Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
Date and time: February 27 (tomorrow)
7.30pm-10.30pm
Venue: Pak Tai Temple Playground, Cheung Chau
Programmes: Chinese ethnic songs and dances,
Chinese traditional stage arts
lion dance, Cantonese operatic songs
golden oldies, make-a-wish pavilion
fortune-telling, lantern riddle quiz
roving entertainment
2. Urban Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
Date and time: February 28 (Sunday)
7.30pm-10.30pm
Venue: Ko Shan Road Park and Ko Shan Theatre
Programmes: Chinese ethnic songs and dances,
Chinese traditional stage arts
golden oldies
Cantonese opera excerpts
Chinese instrumental performance
fortune-telling, lantern riddle quiz
roving entertainment
A spectacular lantern exhibition "Spring Blessings for a Prosperous Year" is now on show at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza until March 21. Admission is free.
The exhibition displays giant lanterns in the shape of a dragon, phoenix, qilin (Chinese unicorn) and turtle against a series of colourful lanterns. According to Chinese legend, the dragon, phoenix, qilin and turtle are the "four auspicious creatures" symbolising luck and fortune. During this festive celebration, spring takes over from winter and life surges back. Accompanied by other lantern displays as emblems of blessings and good luck, the four auspicious creatures bring good wishes of prosperity and happiness to each family.
Ends/Friday, February 26, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:30
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