Yu Lan Cultural Festival returns for a celebration of traditional culture and creativity this Sep

As the Hungry Ghost Festival approaches, the eighth Yu Lan Cultural Festival is set to take place from September 12 to 14 in Causeway Bay, offering a spirited mix of traditional games and new interactive activities for the public to engage with Chiu Chow culture.

Traditional competitions continue

Held at the Moreton Terrace Temporary Playground, the three-day festival will retain its cherished traditions.

Highlights include the Festival Treats Competition, where teams of three compete—one team throws rice packs from a platform while the other two attempt to catch them. The competition is divided into school and open categories, with the team gathering the most bags declared the winner.

Another key event is the Festival Offerings Competition, which challenges participants to skillfully stack various ritual offerings on a decorated wooden box within a set time limit. The team that builds the highest stable stack wins.

Immersive and interactive experiences

This year also introduces "Come Home to Depart," an immersive interactive theater experience that transforms the festival into a dynamic stage. Audiences can walk through various traditional settings while enjoying a family-friendly comedy performance.

A new activity, "Yu Lan: A New Chapter — Claws for Cards," invites participants to collect themed cards at four designated spots in exchange for a specially designed card set. 

Various workshops—including paper-folding, traditional tea tasting, and calligraphy—will also be held, offering the public a hands-on opportunity to delve deeper into Chiu Chow culture.

To further enhance understanding of the festival’s traditions, exhibitions and guided tours will provide insights into its cultural significance and associated rituals.

Over 20,000 anticipated to strengthen community unity

Bunny Chan Chung-bun, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community Organizations, emphasized the festival’s role in uniting Hong Kong’s diverse communities since its inclusion on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2011.

With a rich lineup of events this year, over 20,000 visitors are anticipated, reinforcing cultural appreciation and fostering community bonds.

In preparation for the main event, a series of related activities were rolled out in August, including a seminar during the "Yu Lan Fun Day" at the Central Library and a city tour revisiting historic Yu Lan celebration sites.

(Phoebe Poon)