The Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre opened today to enhance people's understanding and awareness of ICH through educational and promotional activities.
At the opening ceremony, Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Michelle Li said ICH is closely related to daily life and is also cultural treasure, which is highly valued by the Government.
A fun day was held at the Sam Tung Uk Museum where the centre is located. A wide range of activities was offered, allowing visitors to experience local traditions.
Visitors could put on Cantonese opera costumes and take photos at a Cantonese Opera Workshop which introduced the costumes, make-up and props of Cantonese opera.
Demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as a paper-crafted Hakka unicorn, were staged. Visitors also had the chance to make and taste cha kwo, a steamed sticky rice dumpling.
Local martial artists displayed armed and unarmed combat and sparring, to showcase the traditions of the local Hakka ethnic group.
The first thematic exhibition held by the centre, entitled "The Oral Legacies - Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong", is now being staged.
It introduces 10 local items that have been inscribed on China's national list of ICH covering areas such as performing arts, rituals, festive events and traditional craftsmanship, representing the efforts of different local communities in passing on their customs and traditions.
