Sunday, January 1st, 2012 – New Years Day
January first marks the start of the Gregorian calendar, the primary calendar used internationally, which is also used in Hong Kong
Monday, January 23rd, 2012 – Chinese New Year Begins
This marks the start of the fifteen day long celebration, which is the most important holiday in Chinese culture, celebrating many themes including good fortune and happiness.
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 – Lantern Festival
Celebrating the end of the Chinese New Year celebration, traditions include children going to temples at night carrying lanterns, and eating Tangyan, a form of glutinous rice ball.
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 – Ching Ming Festival
Celebrated 15 days after the Spring Equinox, this festival, also known as the “Ancestors Day” or “Tomb Sweeping Day” is about celebrating one’s ancestors and tending to their graves.
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 – Labour Day
Labour day, coinciding with International Workers’ Day as well as May Day, is a celebration both of workers and springtime. Workers are given the day off in Hong Kong.
Monday, May 28th, 2012 – Buddha’s Birthday
The birthday of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This is celebrated throughout the Buddhist world.
Friday, June 1st, 2012 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
This holiday celebrates the anniversary of the transfer of Hong Kong from British rule to the People’s Republic of China. This will mark the 15th anniversary of the transfer.
Sunday, September 30th, 2012 – Mid-Autumn Festival
Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, this holiday celebrates the harvest, generally involving the eating of mooncakes and the lighting of lanterns.
Monday, October 1st, 2012 – National Day
This Holiday commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1st, 1949. This will mark the 52nd anniversary of the PRC.
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 – Chung Yeung Festival
Observed on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, this holiday is celebrated by honoring both the deceased and the elderly and climbing mountains.
Friday, December 21st, 2012 – Dongzhi Festival
The celebration, coinciding with the solstice, marks the beginning of Winter, and is a time of getting the family together and eating Tangyuan in Chinese culture.
Tuesday, December 25th, 2012 – Christmas Day
The celebration of the birth of Jesus in Christian traditions. In Hong Kong this is celebrated similar to celebrations in the West.
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