7 minute read
What's on Hong Kong
Advertisement
Lia Campiglio
Born in Piemonte, a small town in the countryside of Italy, Lia Campiglio moved to Venice to study Mandarin at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice. After living and studying abroad in Barcelona, Beijing and Nanjing. In 2012, she decided to leave Italy and work in a competitive setting, Hong Kong. Lia is currently working at the Italian Cultural Institute of Hong Kong, organizing cultural events related to Italian culture, arts and lifestyle. Apart from work, she enjoys discovering the wonders of Southeast Asia.
The cold and shortened days are getting closer, lights sparkle in the streets, and Christmas trees appear in the cities’ main squares. As the holiday vibration is perceived, the Christmas atmosphere is becoming real and even more enchanting in the Bel Paese since this holiday is one of the most important ones in the country. Although there are some common traits, the magic of Natale is different all over the world!
The holiday season in Italy is well known for its mercatini di Natale (Christmas markets) decorated with wonderful stalls crammed with handicrafts, regional delicacies, and wines, such as the famous vin brule’ (mulled wine) to warm guests up.
(As my mum used to say, spend Christmas with your family and Easter with whoever you want)
Christmas with the yours, a song by Elio e le Storie Tese
Christmas festivities focus on the family: people head to their hometowns
to celebrate with their loved ones. Meanwhile, light displays and Christmas markets pop up throughout the country, and children look forward to the start of the festive season.
The Christmas season is usually celebrated over several weeks, starting from December 8th, the date of Immaculate Conception of Mary - when many Italian families decorate their homes and trees, bake cookies, and wrap presents, up to December 26th, when the atmosphere gets even merrier. Decorations and Christmas trees are displayed on the streets, presepi (Nativity scenes) are placed outside churches and public squares, and the festive smell of chestnuts, mulled wine, and seasonal delicacies are everywhere.
Christmas day and Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve) are observed in different ways all over the country: some Italians start celebrating with a nice dinner on December 24th, while others prefer a light meal and wait for a huge Christmas lunch on the 25th. However, the midnight Mass at the local church is an important tradition from the North to the South. After this gathering, the festivity commences for real: it’s time to brindare (make a toast) with a glass of spumante, and eat a slice of panettone and pandoro. Children,
excited by Babbo Natale (Santa)’s arrival, put a glass of milk, biscuits, or a slice of cake under the tree to thank him for the gifts.
The joy of this festive time rises on December 25th, the perfect occasion to meet up with your parents and family members, sit around the table - almost all day long, no joking! - and enjoy a delicious menu. After all the good cheer of this day, the festivities go on: December 26th, Santo Stefano (Boxing) day, represents another occasion to gather with your loved ones and taste more homemade specialties.
Please be aware that… Celebrations are not over yet! After these three days of merrymaking, the next date is December 31st, another opportunity to meet with friends and families and have a big party all night long. Notte di San Silvestro or Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) usually starts in the evening with the traditional cenone (big dinner) followed by a crazy party to welcome the anno nuovo (new year)! During the New Year’s Eve dinner, eating the right food to have good luck, such as cotechino (pork sausage), lenticchie (lentils), and uva (grapes), is very important.
Approaching the last day of the year does not mean that the holiday season is over: all these jolly habits last until January 6th, il giorno della Befana (Epiphany day). According to Italian folklore, children wait for the Befana, an old witch who arrives on a broomstick to fill kids’ stockings with sweets, chocolate, or a lump of coal for those who have been naughty throughout the year.
Christmas might not be a typical Chinese holiday, but the festive season is quickly approaching Hong Kong, too! Hongkongers will soon be able to spot Christmas lights and trees all over the city, shop for Christmas trees and gifts, and enjoy great food.
Getting fancier year by year, the Christmas decorations and lights will make their way in shopping malls, hotels, theme parks, and plazas right after Halloween displays. As many buildings on the Victoria harbourfront are extravagantly decorated, the Christmas lights are one of the best attractions of this season.
While 2021 has meant that things will be looking a little different than in previous years, a great number of Christmas events in Hong Kong will be organized… What are you waiting for?!?
IF YOU LIKE MERCATINI DI NATALE…
DEC 2 - 5
White Christmas Street Fair
Swire Properties will magically transform Tong Chong Street into “Santa’s Whimsical Factory”, where you’ll find food, craft beer, and special performances and events. All the proceeds will go towards the annual fundraising campaign Operation Santa Claus to support local charities.
DEC 12 & 19
Discovery Bay Sunday Market
Shop local! Organized by Handmade Hong Kong, the Christmas edition of Discovery Bay Sunday Market supports local businesses with a wide selection of handmade, one-of-a-kind, and crafted products and locally-made goods.
DEC 11 - 27
Stanley Plaza Christmas Market 2021
Stanley’s annual seaside Christmas market supports small businesses and hosts vendors offering a festive array of seasonal treats, festive crafts, holiday gifts, and festive food.
IF YOU LIKE CONCERTS & LIVE EVENTS…
DEC 3 - 4
A Magical Nighttime Symphony with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
For the first time ever, the HK Phil will present popular Disney songs alongside Christmas classics in front of the majestic Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland.
DEC 11 - 26
The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music with live accompaniment by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, The Nutcracker, set in early 20th century Hong Kong, will feature a fusion of local historical characters, charming wildlife, and Hong Kong traditions.
DEC 23 - 24
Hong Kong Philharmonic: Christmas Fantasia
The Hong Kong Children’s Choir and Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus, together with the HK Phil will offer to the audience a beautiful program of sacred and secular music in a Christmas Fantasia at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The program will feature Tchaikovsky, melodies of Handel’s Messiah, and tuneful treats from around the world.
DEC 30
Hong Kong Philharmonic: A Viennese New Year
Join this concert to toast the new year humming on melodies that never get old: from Viennese waltzes and sparkling polkas to Spanish, French and British songs. A great selection of Hong Kong favourites will not be missed too!
