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Held each year around the beginning of June (exact 2014 dates TBC), the Dragon Boat Carnival sees thousands of spectators descend on the city to watch hundreds of beautifully painted boats racing through Hong Kong waters. A perfect example of how Hong Kong fuses ancient Chinese tradition with hedonistic Western revelry, the accompanying BeerFest ensures that there’s plenty of action on dry land also. Find out everything you need to know in our Insider Guide to the Dragon Boat Carnival.
Cultural FestivalsPhoto Credit: Instagram user discoverhongkong
Over the years Hong Kong has earned a formidable reputation for hosting some of the best cultural events on the continent. Here are just a few of the must-see arts and culture festivals to get your creative juices flowing in 2014: Hong Kong Arts Festival, which runs this year from the 18th February to the 22nd March, is a spectacular celebration of theatrical and musical talent from across the world. Look out for performances as diverse as Nordic Waves (a contemporary dance company from Finland), Shakespearean theatre from the UK’s Bristol Old Vic and Cantonese Opera. This year sees the city welcome the 38th annual Hong Kong International Film Festival, which will take place in March. Reaching an audience of more than 600,000 people, the festival is the largest cultural event on the Hong Kong calendar. More than 280 titles from 50 countries will be brought to cultural venues across the territory in an attempt to develop and nurture of art in filmmaking. The Hong Kong International Literary Festival celebrates all things books between November 1st and 10th. First started in 2003, the event has gained popularity in recent years, and now hosts local and international authors and events at various locations across the city. If your festival tastes are of a rather more culinary nature, head to the 6th Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival from October 30th to November 2nd. Have your fill of fabulous tipples and nibbles from around the world at the scenic New Central Harbour Front. Western Festivals One of Hong Kong’s unique charms is its ability to absorb influence from both the East and West, and as a result, Western-style festivals are often as warmly received as Eastern ones. First up between March 13th and 15th is Beertopia, Hong Kong’s biggest craft beer festival. Despite only being three years old, this boozy hoedown has become one of the most hotly anticipated events on the Hong Kong calendar, bringing hundreds of international beers, great food and live music to the West Kowloon Waterfront. Whet your appetite with our review of last year’s event and look out for our 2014 preview after Chinese New Year. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens are undoubtedly the party of the year for the city’s expats and locals alike. As much about the top class international rugby as it is about fancy dress and college-style drinking marathons, this full-on party weekend (between March 28th and 30th 2014) is great fun even if you don’t like sport, or you can't get your hands on the notoriously few tickets available for the stadium. Want a sneak preview of the fun? Check out our videos, photos and Fan’s Stories of Hong Kong Sevens 2013. Think you've got what it takes to become the next rugby star? Sign up for some Rugby Coaching and test out your potential! Halloween is celebrated in real style on the streets of Hong Kong, with wild costume parties, themed events and eerily amusing activities to to enjoy. These were our pick of the parties and costume shops last year, so keep your eyes on Localiiz for more top tips closer to October.Although there are a few rumours floating around about whether or not it can be held in its usual location at Kowloon Water Front, the Clockenflap music festival has become such a mainstay on the Hong Kong pre-Christmas calendar, we’re sure it will grace us with its presence again in late 2014. Last year hosting the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Four Tet and Chic, there seems to be no stopping this heavyweight of Hong Kong music festivals.
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