Luminous dragon brightens up Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair

Dancing lions and a grand parade made their way down Fuk Tsun Street as part of the Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair on Nov 3. People in the neighbourhood were treated to a  Poon Choi feast, plus a spectacular 500-foot LED dragon dance, all in honour of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

All the street lights in much of the district were turned off, as the dragon made its way down the  street , accompanied by  colorful fish lamps at 8:45pm. The dragon weaved its way through the crowds to the sound of  traditional drums and gongs.

Organized by the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association and co-organized by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office, this event aims to enhance residents' sense of belonging, foster community engagement, and boost tourism and the local economy, according to the speech given by Leung Wah Sing, the chairman of this event. 

In the morning, nearly 1,000 people took part in a traditional folklore parade.

“I've been hearing the music of this event performed from morning to night, so I was attracted by it and came to see what happened.” said Zhang Janci, a tourist from mainland China, staying at  a hotel near Fuk Tsun street.

“I think Hong Kong is doing well in preserving the traditional culture,” said Zhang. “You can see traditional elements like lion dance here and listen to the traditional folk music.”

Wendy Chai, 62, participated in this event ten years ago.

“The atmosphere is still great and this year’s LED dragon impressed me as its appearance is beautiful when lit up,” said Chai.

Noire Chung, 64, who returned to Hong Kong from the United States, was there with her friend.

“I am impressed by the dragon dance, but not because of its length, but because of the LED lights,” said Chung. “The lights are shiny and colorful.”

But she was not impressed by the poor hygiene. “It's just too smelly here. Sometimes I can't stand it” she added, as she sat near the sewer next to the main stage

Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair is an activity organized by the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association to revitalize the local economy after the SARS outbreak, which has a history of more than a decade.