The Dajiao festival is returning to Kat O, a village island in Hong Kong’s northeastern New Territories that lies within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. The celebration, which has not been held on the island for about a decade, runs from 11 to 15 October and is bringing life to a place that, on a normal day, draws few visitors, mostly hikers on its heritage trails.
Villagers have been finishing a large bamboo theatre, traditional puppets and parade lanterns, while local artists complete installations and performances. The programme includes Cantonese opera at the temporary theatre, colourful parades, sacred rituals and a traditional vegetarian biscuit associated with Dajiao, as well as the Kat O Dajiao Arts Festival, a contemporary art event running throughout October.
According to Desmond Wong, senior conservation manager for cultural heritage at the Hong Kong NGO The Conservancy Association, the parade on the third day is particularly grand. It will feature traditional Chaozhou Yingge dancers and the Unicorn Dance and Fish Lantern Dance troupe from Sam A village, both listed as national intangible cultural heritage. Heritage advocates hope the festival will reconnect younger generations with the island’s traditions.
