The Social Function of the Tin Hau Festival and Its Related Activities

As an annual celebratory function, the Tin Hau Festival and its related activities encourage the positive bonding among the local residents. A sizable event like this requires a lot of support, in manpower, in cash and in kind. The local residents would form various fa pau associations according to the village or area they come from, their trade, as well as the places of origin. In the course of it, they would have the opportunity to learn more about local history. By participating in the activities, they can also foster a stronger sense of belonging and social identity with the community.

In those districts where the custom of “returning the fa pau” has been replaced by parades, they become tourist attractions as well as highlight activities for people living in other parts of Hong Kong. This in turn promotes the co-operation among the government, villages and ethnic groups in the territory, demonstrating how the communities of Hong Kong can adapt to social changes under the influence of urbanisation.