Night vibes can make your day

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki expressed his hope that citizens would derive pleasure from the "Day x Night Vibes" activities organized by the government and district councils.

Yesterday, a series of events took place in Yau Ma Tei and Sheung Wan, which saw an increase in the number of activities. In Sheung Wan's "C&W District Sparkles: Vivid and Vibrant Vibes Through the Day and Night Bazaar," approximately 30 stalls were set up. Several stall owners expressed their desire for the bazaar to become a regular event.

The Day x Night Vibes @18 Districts initiative, announced on January 9, involves the Home Affairs Department, together with the 18 district offices and district councils, organizing a series of activities that highlight regional characteristics and traditional local culture.

During the kick-off ceremony for the "Day x Night Vibes" activities in Sheung Wan, Chan said the events cater to everyone, whether they are with family or friends.

"The activities encompass a wide range of offerings, including market carnivals, art exhibitions, music performances and sports experiences," he said.

Chan highlighted "the blend of traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing various cultural traditions and regional characteristics while introducing new elements as well."

The bazaars feature stalls selling traditional snacks, street foods, festive and handmade products, along with game stalls and government promotional booths.

Candy Xa, a stall owner selling Hong Kong-style snacks such as sugar onion pancakes and "airplane olives," expressed her satisfaction with the event. She added the lively atmosphere created by lion dance performances and singing acts complemented the event.

Xa said that within the first three and a half hours since the bazaar started at 11am, approximately 200 people visited her stall and made purchases.

She hoped that sales would reach HK$5,000 to cover costs such as transportation and manpower. As a resident of the district, Xa said "the event revitalized the area and drew more people into the district on what is typically a quiet Sunday."

She believed that transforming the bazaar into a regular event with local features would help tourists understand the roots of Hong Kong.

Greg, a visitor to the event, echoed Xa's observations. He said the areas around Wing Lok Street and Morrison Street are usually quiet, but the event attracted more people to shop there.

"The snacks and food sold at the bazaar and the lion dance performances are particularly interesting," Greg said.

There are currently 22 more related activities scheduled until the end of May across the city. Another noteworthy event, the Yau Ma Tei Festival 2024, organized by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office, Yau Tsim Mong District Council, and Yaumati Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association, took place yesterday at the Yau Ma Tei Community Centre Rest Garden, Temple Street, and Arthur Street Temporary Playground Basketball Court.

The festival encompassed various activities such as calligraphy, fortune-telling and a dress-up and race competition. Participants in the race, dressed as the video game character Mario, pushed a wooden cart specifically designed for the Yau Ma Tei fruit market and raced through the streets in what was a fun-filled day.