The annual Tai O dragon boat water parade, a highlight event in support of the "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign, will be held on June 12.
On June 11, Tai O fishermen will observe the tradition of rowing their dragon boats to visit four temples - Yeung Hau, Tin Hau, Kwan Tai and Hung Shing - and to transport the deity statues from these temples to three fishermen's association halls for worship.
The deity statues will be carried on three 'gods' boats', with each towed by a dragon boat in a procession through the waterways of Tai O.
On the morning of June 12, a ritual called 'Picking the Greens' will be performed before returning the deity statues to their respective temples on the 'gods' boats' between 11am and 1.30pm.
The parade was been inscribed on the Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China in June 2011.
Dragon boat races will also be held on June 12 to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, including the Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race to be held at the Aberdeen Promenade, the Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race 2013 to be held at the Shing Mun River, the Tai Po District Dragon Boat Race 2013 to be held at the Tai Po Waterfront Park Promenade, and the Tuen Mun District Dragon Boat Race 2013 to be held at Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelte.
Also, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will receive the Mariner of the Seas on June 12 and 13, marking the 138,000-tonne ship's maiden call to Hong Kong.The Tourism Board will arrange lion and dragon dances, and a drumming show, to welcome the more than 3,000 guests and passengers aboard the biggest cruise ship based in Asia.
Other activities include the Hong Kong Red Cross’s "Gift of Life" Blood Donation Week from June 10 to 18, a job expo entitled "Say YES to Work" to be held on June 10 at Sheung Wan Sports Centre, and the
Short Films Contest for the Youth.
All these events support the "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign, which aims to inject positive energy into society, foster social cohesion and promote care, mutual help and solidarity in the community. Click
here for details.
