***********************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Tsuen Wan District Council:
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, officiated at a ceremony to launch the parade of the Tsuen Wan Temple Fair today (February 19), starting off a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tsuen Wan New Town.
Accompanied by Tsuen Wan District Council Chairman Mr Chau How-chen, Tsuen Wan District Officer Mr Cheung Doi-ching and Tsuen Wan Rural Committee Chairman Mr Chung Wai-ping, Mr Tsang enjoyed a variety of Chinese traditional performances at Sha Tsui Road Playground. The event was jointly organised by the Tsuen Wan District Council and the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee.
Since the Government gazetted Tsuen Wan as a new town in 1961, it has developed from a small village into a robust manufacturing base, and further into a modern community with more than 300,000 residents.
The Tsuen Wan Temple Fair, the largest parade-cum-carnival in the district in the past 20 years, marked the start of a series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of Tsuen Wan New Town.
The 1,000-strong parade was the highlight of the temple fair, showcasing Chinese traditional culture such as Chiu Chow dance, fishermen's wedding, "dragon boat on land", Hakka ethnic costumes, waist drum dance and lion dance, modern street dances, as well as a traditional float parade rarely seen in the urban areas. The fair presented the unique cultures of the Chiu Chow and Hakka groups in arts performances.
At the launching ceremony, Mr Tsang said the "Vibrant People, Harmonious Community Activities" organised by the Home Affairs Department aimed to promote harmony and a sense of belonging among residents in the community. As the highlight of the programme, the Tsuen Wan Temple Fair demonstrated the local festive culture, he said.
After Mr Tsang struck the gong, the parade set off from Sha Tsui Road Playground and entertained the public with lively performances at Market Street.
The event attracted participants from different sectors - kindergartens, primary and secondary school students, parents, new arrivals, people from other districts and visitors - indicating that Tsuen Wan is a harmonious community with a diverse culture.
Mr Chan from a new arrival family said, "It is my first time to participate in the temple fair with my family. The parade is bustling with excitement. I am looking forward to more cultural activities in the district."
The Tsuen Wan New Town 50th Anniversary Celebration Organising Committee, which comprises representatives from various sectors in the district, will organise a series of festive activities for local residents.
Ends/Saturday, February 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:19
NNNN
