The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival is a time-honoured tradition held in the belief it wards off epidemics and brings peace and safety. As part of its continuing support for heritage conservation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has funded this annual celebration, which is inscribed on the national list of intangible cultural heritage, since 2012.
Officiating at the Jiao Festival Parade Ceremony on 5 May were Li Gongxun, Deputy Director General of the New Territories Sub-office, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Clarence Leung, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau , and Winnie Yip, the Club’s Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement).
The Trust supports the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee by funding the construction cost of the three traditional bun towers and the production of 20,000 Ping On buns. These buns are distributed to visitors, local residents and the public among the community during the festival to bring them good fortune. Together with the Festival's two main events, namely the Bun Scrambling Competition and the Piu Sik Parade, the Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Apart from the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Trust also supports the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade and Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Since 2010, the Trust has donated over HK$38.72 million to support these intangible cultural heritage festival events and related educational programmes that promote traditional Chinese culture and values, enhancing the city’s cultural richness and vitality by supporting nationally recognised festivals.
The Club’s support for the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
