Hong Kong's new year fairs bloom with festive spirit

HONG KONG -- On a sunny afternoon, the Chinese New Year fair at Hong Kong's Victoria Park bustled with crowds and festive cheer.

"Hong Kong's New Year atmosphere begins with the first peach blossom placed in a vase and the first pot of kumquat set at the entrance," said Mrs Lau, a local resident.

On Wednesday, all 14 New Year fairs, commonly known as flower markets, opened across the city. Mrs Lau, in her 60s, headed to Victoria Park to select a bouquet.

Victoria Park is home to Hong Kong's largest flower market, with around 400 stalls offering wet and dry goods, ranging from fresh flowers to festive decorations.

The wet goods section burst with vibrant colors. Ms Fan, a stall owner from Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, was packing a pot of festive flowers symbolizing wealth and prosperity for a customer. She said that different flowers carry different meanings: kumquats laden with fruit signify good fortune and great profit, while peach blossoms symbolize grand ambitions and good relationships.

Although flower markets are held across Hong Kong, Mr Chiu and his wife still traveled early from the New Territories to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. "We buy peach blossoms every year. It's one of the essential New Year items for our home," the couple said.

Some students in school uniforms weaved through the stalls, making purchases. Ms Chan, vice-principal of a kindergarten, said that this was an experiential activity organized by the school. Each student was given HK$30 (about $3.83) to choose items they liked, promoting their independence and financial management skills through real-life shopping.

The dry goods section attracted mainly young people. With the Year of the Horse approaching, horse-themed products were presented in countless creative forms, attracting many tourists from the Chinese mainland.

Mr Zhao, a visitor from Shanghai, eastern China, wandered through the crowds holding a newly purchased Year of the Horse blind box. "I never realized Hong Kong's flower markets were so grand. The traditions retain their authenticity, lively yet warm," he said.

For some, the market was also a business opportunity. Mr Ko, setting up a stall for the first time, was optimistic. "Business is improving year by year. I believe this season will be a big success," he said with a smile.