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A Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department was held on the eve of Spring Lantern Festival (February 11) at Sai Kung Wai Man Road Playground to celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day.
More than 200 flower lanterns were on display inside the Playground and the Waterfront Park. Among them, a maze made up of peony lanterns was set up for the enjoyment of the public. Another set of lanterns featuring the legendary Matchmaker added romantic atmosphere to the carnival.
Performances at the main stage showcased Chinese music, dances, lion dancing and golden oldies while at the basketball court, a variety show featuring Chinese magic, acrobatics, roving entertainment and Cantonese opera excerpts were held. The carnival was complete with the popular lantern quiz, fortune-telling and nostalgic games.
Another lantern carnival will be held tomorrow (February 12) from 7.30pm to 10.30pm at Ko Shan Road Park and Ko Shan Theatre to celebrate the Spring Lantern Festival. Programmes include Chinese music, dance, magic, dragon and lion dance performances, golden oldies, Cantonese opera excerpts, lantern quiz, fortune-telling and roving entertainment.
A spectacular lantern display entitled "Radiant Romance" is now on display at Kowloon Park until February 26.
Greeting visitors at the main entrances at Haiphong Road and Austin Road are lanterns featuring the dragon, phoenix and flowers.
At the fan-shaped pool, spectacular lantern display "Morning Flower and Evening Moon in One String" depicts the legendary Matchmaker pulling the Red String to arrange marriages in the world.
Another set of lanterns "Bonded Couple Saying Love Forever" is set up at the lotus pond illustrating the well-known legendary characters "Cowherd and the Weaving Maiden". They are carried by giant birds with mandarin ducks, lanterns and twin lotuses around them.
Spectacular lantern "Renewal and Blessing in the Fruitful New Year" is put up at the landmark. With 12 coin lanterns representing the 12 ancient Chinese hours, they encircle the giant petal-shaped lanterns. It symbolises good fortune in the coming New Year.
Colourful lanterns of flying bats and green bamboos are also displayed at the piazza.
Ends/Saturday, February 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:02
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