Ghost Festival

The Hong Kong Ghost Festival brings the Hong Kong community together to pay homage to the spirits of their ancestors as well as other restless spirits claimed to roam the earth. It is considered a famous festival in Hong Kong. Families gather in Hong Kong for this traditional occasion to visit the graves and burials of their ancestors who have passed away, and to spend the day with them.

The Hong Kong people have made it a point to light candles, and incense, and lay offerings on their graves as part of their cultural heritage to indicate their intentions of assisting them in having a pleasant journey to the afterlife.

The burning of joss paper, and phony money from the Bank of Hell, in a metal container to further pay homage to the ghosts is another notable achievement to observe at Ghost Festival. There are blessing ceremonies, public exhibitions on the holiday, and live performances from the Cantonese Opera all across the city.

When: on August 15

Where: Okinawa and the Amami Islands