The colorful Piu Sik Parade, one of the highlights of Cheung Chau’s annual Bun Festival, will return May 5 with a lineup of figures and floats adapting both local and international themes—from China’s 15th National Games to the dramatic rescue of citizens trapped in Myanmar’s scam parks.
This year’s procession will feature 20 floats from eight community groups, with child performers portraying figures like Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung and a "mystery mainland athlete“.
Organizers say the satirical yet family-friendly displays aim to spark discussion while entertaining crowds.
In addition to exploring Hong Kong, international tourists can also participate in the 35th Macao Arts Festival, which immerses audiences in a world of creativity and artistic brilliance. This year's festival revolves around the captivating theme of "growth." Attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of performing and visual arts, as well as exhibitions that highlight not only growth but also the powerful dialogue that art fosters within the community. With over fifteen diverse programs, there's something for everyone—from traditional theater to contemporary dance. As Macao embraces its role as the Culture City of East Asia 2025, the festival provides an ideal opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
For more details, please visit: https://www.icm.gov.mo/fam/35/en/
From Sports to Scams
The San Hing Street Kai-Fong Association, preparing four floats, will highlight November’s National Games—the first co-hosted by Hong Kong—with child actors dressed as mainland athletes atop the floats.
Below them, youngsters will portray Hong Kong’s rugby and windsurfing teams, nodding to local sports culture.
Another float, "Escape From KK Park", will recreate Tang’s Thailand mission to rescue scam victims.
A girl in a sunhat holding an HK passport will be flanked by Tang and commandos, surrounded by props like airplanes and phones warning of Southeast Asian job scams.
"We don’t talk about politics, but we reflect livelihoods," said Leung, an association’s committee member, noting Tang’s signature glasses will be featured. However, he said the child actor might not wear a suit given the hot weather.
Heritage at a Crossroads
With the aging volunteers—averaging 60-70 years old—organizers are scrambling to preserve the UNESCO-recognized tradition.
Leung said funding relies on elderly donors, while younger generations show less interest. He called for government support to promote the event’s tourism potential.
A recruitment drive for child performers has brought hope. After social media calls, applications surged from 20 in 2023 to 300 this year, forcing organizers to close the application window early.
Only 10 made the cut after rigorous trials testing courage and charisma, he added.
Little Stars Rise to the Occasion
Speaking to reporters, one fearless girl, portraying a windsurfer, said she trained in rock climbing with her father since young to get used to the height. "It’s so fun up there!" she beamed.
Another child, portraying the mystery athlete, would only reveal her admiration for Chinese diver Quan Hongchan.
A boy acting as a rugby player, meanwhile, said his dad had already prepared cooling patches and a fan for him. "We practice ‘shoulder rides’ at home," the father said. "He’s used to heights."
Island Braces for Tourist Surge
Accommodation demand on the island has surged during the Bun Festival as Nelson, manager of Warwick Hotel on Cheung Chau, revealed all 60 rooms were fully booked for the days surrounding Buddha's Birthday, primarily by families and tourists.
"Rooms were already fully booked two months ago, with some bookings made a year in advance," he said.
A late-April check of booking sites showed most hotels and guesthouses on the island unavailable from May 4-6, with some platforms displaying a prompt that says "100 percent sold out".
Available rooms saw steep price hikes - an 8-person room costing HK$3,600 for three days, double the usual HK$1,800 rate.
(Ayra Wang)
(sing tao)
