Families gather and markets thrive in the wake of the Snake Year's arrival

Excitement fills the air across the city on Lunar New Year's Eve, as families gather for reunion dinners and attend festive markets to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Crowds packed the Kowloon City market this morning as residents rushed to buy ingredients for their celebratory meals.

One father and son spent approximately HK$2,000 on seafood and soup ingredients, believing that a home-cooked dinner would provide a warmer experience for the family.

An elderly shopper revealed she had spent around HK$600 for a reunion dinner with family, wishing for peace and health for everyone.

A seafood vendor noted a 30 percent increase in the cost of imported goods driving the price up, with shrimp and shellfish now ranging from HK$120 to HK$600 per pound.

Similarly, a local chicken stall owner observed an increase in business since last Saturday (Jan 25), adding that some residents purchased chicken for reunion dinners as well as preparations for the second day of the Lunar New Year (Jan 30). 

A vegetable vendor also reported a 30 to 40 percent increase in foot traffic and sales, citing significant hikes in costs, with lettuce prices nearly doubling.

Meanwhile, on the final day of all Lunar New Year fairs, the largest market at Victoria Park experienced a quieter morning. 

Some shoppers arrived around 8 am, spending around HK$200 on orchids, while others anticipated a surge in crowds later in the day, hoping to find ideal peach blossoms with budgets of around HK$1,000.

An orchid stall owner reported a 30 percent increase in sales compared to last year, highlighting the high consumer enthusiasm and sharing plans to begin promotional sales around 5 to 6 pm to clear the inventory.