Unique Destinations: Spring Festival or Chinese New Year

The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees.

The Spring Festival falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 BC-c. 1100 BC) from the people's sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one.

Strictly speaking, the Spring Festival starts every year in the early days of the 12th lunar month and will last till the mid 1st lunar month of the next year. Of them, the most important days are Spring Festival Eve and the first three days. The Chinese government now stipulates people have seven days off for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Many customs accompany the Spring Festival. Some are still followed today, but others have weakened.

Chinese New Year 2014 is on Friday, January 31, 2014

Celebrate in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year is without a doubt the biggest (and most-adored) festival of the lunar calendar, with 15-days packed with age-old traditions, cultural festivities and family celebrations! Starting on the first day of the new year, (31 January) and right up until the Spring Lantern Festival (14 February), locals flock to aromatic temples to pray for good fortune, fill themselves with auspicious foods and string up shock-red lanterns.

In true Hong Kong style, the city will welcome the Year of the Horse with festive flamboyancy, timeless traditions and that unique touch of cosmopolitan flair! Festivities are spread out over three weeks, so whether you’re squeezing into festive flower markets and incense-filled temples, gasping at breathtaking pyrotechnics or cheering at lively sports events, you’ll be sure to experience a Chinese New Year here like no other!

The night parade is one of the best-loved events of all the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong. Thousands line the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui to watch local and international performers and brightly-coloured floats turn the harbour front into one big outdoor party. 

The Chinese New Year period in Hong Kong is packed with a wide array of events. From fireworks displays and well-wishing rituals to horse racing and football, there’s something for everyone. So, be sure to check out these events if you are going to Hong Kong.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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