Cheung Chau Jiao Festival: A Captivating Tradition in Hong Kong
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Introduction
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Areas
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Era
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Date
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Introduction
The Bun Festival started as a response to a plague in Cheng Chau and has since become one of Hong Kong’s famous festivals. Legend has it that during the late Qing dynasty, when Cheung Chau Island was hit by a deadly disease, local residents from Huizhou and Chiu Chow invited monks and Taoist priests to set up a sacred altar in front of Pak Tai Temple to seek divine help.
This altar served as a place for prayers to the deities, repentance for wrongs, and solace for departed souls on land and at sea. During the festival, locals also parade deity statues through village streets, believing these rituals and offerings would end the plague and bring peace.
In gratitude for the plague’s end, Cheung Chau’s people have continued the annual Jiao Festival for generations. It’s a way to thank Pak Tai, the temple’s deity, for blessings and protection. Residents’ active involvement in organizing and participating in the festival ensures its continuation.
The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival’s significance and cultural value were officially recognized when it became part of the national Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list in 2011. This highlights the festival’s role in preserving Cheung Chau’s culture and enriching Hong Kong’s cultural tapestry.
Today, the festival draws locals and tourists annually, featuring lively parades, traditional customs, and cultural performances. It stands as a reminder of the island’s history, resilience, and community spirit. The festivities start with a lively Climbing Carnival on May 14, followed by the iconic Bun Scrambling Competition on May 25 and 27, making it a must-see cultural experience celebrated for over a century.
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Areas
Cheung Chau Jiao Festival| Era
1840s to late 19th century
What is the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival?
The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival is an annual event that has been practiced for over 100 years. It originated as…More Details
Why was the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival inscribed on the national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage?
The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival was recognized for its cultural significance and the preservation of a century-old tradition. Its rituals, community participation, and historical importance led to its inscription on the national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.More about Jiao Festival
