Crooked Island’s five-day festival is bringing traditional performances and visitors to the island. A resident who had lived in Scotland for decades returned with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who had visited Hong Kong but never been to the island. The festival runs from October 11 to 15; October 13 was its third day and main ritual day.
The programme includes a chopsticks dance and a land-based dragon boat. Villagers say the ritual is held every 10 years to appease the dragon god of the land’s veins. The returning resident hoped his younger relatives would learn about the tradition and carry it on.
About 6,000 people entered the island during the first three days.
An associate professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management said preparations require substantial manpower and are now largely handled by older residents. She warned that younger people may be less willing to give the time and effort needed for a future edition, and proposed easing restricted-area rules to make visits easier for overseas tourists.
Visitors can take a kaito ferry from Sha Tau Kok to Crooked Island, but should check sailing times and apply for a restricted-area permit.