HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 18September,2018 - The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of Hong Kong's most celebratedfestivals, is fast approaching on 24 September (the 15^th day of the8^th month on the Chinese Lunar Calendar). Said to have evolved froma moon-worshipping ceremony ahead of the autumn harvest, the festival providesa peek inside Hong Kong's long-held traditions.

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance (23 -- 25 September 2018)

Paying tribute to the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations of old, Tai Hang residentsgather to take part in the three-day Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which was inscribed onChina's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.

Today, the experience promises an explosion of drums, gongs and incense,as nearly 300 trained participants carry a 67-metre dragon covered in glowingjoss sticks through the streets. The first thing you'll notice as the dragonflies by is its 70-kilogrammehead, made of sheet metal, straw and rattan, with two electric torches for eyes-- that's a face you'll never forget!

Mooncakes

Mooncakes are one of the most popular elements ofHong Kong's Mid-Autumn Festival, and for good reason. Baked in intricate mouldsfeaturing auspicious Chinese blessings, mooncakes are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste and two eggyolks, but over time, Hong Kong has welcomed many innovative iterations, such as chocolate, durian, kumquat, matcha, egg custard and red bean,to name just a few.

"Moon Rabbit Lumiere" installation (19 September -- 17 October 2018)

For the first time in Hong Kong, Australian artist Amanda Parer'slarger-than-life "Moon Rabbits" will hop through town. The "Moon RabbitLumiere" art installation will take place on Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai and atthe China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui. Both venues will showcase 10illuminated "Moon Rabbits", as well as a series of celebratory events,workshops, picnics and fairs throughout the month-long exhibitions. 

Caption: (left) The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance will take place on 23 to 25September 2018, and (right) Australian artist Amanda Parer's "Moon RabbitLumiere" installation.

For more information about Hong Kong and the upcoming Mid-AutumnFestival festivities, please visit  the Hong Kong Tourism Board at https://www.discoverhongkong.com.

High resolution images and videos can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/2x4wJM5.

For images and videos on Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance 2018, please visit GettyImages at https://www.image.net/press/hongkongimages after theevent.