Hongkongers celebrate Halloween spirit despite struggles for local vendors

Stores and stalls in several shopping hotspots, such as Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po, have been selling costumes and decorations, such as pumpkins and ghosts as Halloween approached.

Reiko Leung Hei-nga, 21 has been going to Fuk Wing Street to purchase items for her Halloween costume for almost four years.

“I enjoy getting together with my friends and showcasing our costumes,” Leung said. “The hardest part each year is probably finding new ideas and inspiration for a costume.”

Many of those costumes showed up at Lan Kwai Fong. “A Hauntingly Good Time in Lan Kwai Fong”, is the theme for the week in the popular nightlife area.

Retiree Leung Run-hei, 67, has been visiting Lan Kwai Fong for three consecutive years.

“I’ve had a blast coming here with my friends and socialising with others. Although I’m old now, my mind keeps telling me to stay young and enjoy as much as I can,” she said.

Ocean Park is hosting a Halloween Fest that started on Sept. 7 until Nov. 3,. Visitors can enjoy six haunted house experiences, namely Dreadful Walled City, Prison Escape, Netherworld Wedding, Hotel Morte, Horror of Homesteak and Forbidden Zone 274. There are also performances, such as Too Hot to K-Oppa, by a group of  Korean dancers.

“Even though I work here full-time, the unique events and decorations never cease to amaze me, said Park employee, Diamond Chan Sang-shu, 21, who has been working at the theme park for over two years.

But the festivities did not benefit some shops, such as a stall owner surnamed Poon, who operates on Fuk Wing Street. She said sales that have gone down by 60% in the past few years.

"The only time that my shop has been active is during festivals. For instance, during Halloween, I would approximately have a 20% increase in sales, but it only happens near the end of October," the 47-year-old said.