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Willa Wu

National flags, banners, drone shows and even decorated manhole covers have appeared in Hong Kong since mid-September, all signs of the city celebrating the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on October 1.
There are more than 400 events across all 18 districts – the highest number since the city returned to China in 1997 – and they are aimed at creating a lively atmosphere, fostering patriotism and deepening young Hongkongers’ understanding of the country’s development and achievements.
While the total cost has not been disclosed, a Post check found that public funds allocated to districts for National Day celebrations had increased substantially over the past five years.
Among those questioning the effectiveness of holding so many events was Chan Wai-keung, a political scientist at Polytechnic University’s Hong Kong Community College and a district councillor who served from 2008 to 2015.
“I don’t think treating people to eat, drink and watch films has anything to do with patriotism. These so-called celebrations are superficial, intended only to show loyalty,” he said.
“Public money should not be spent frivolously. National Day celebrations are not mere entertainment. They should be closely tied to passing down information about the country, be it history or the latest developments.”
The annual celebrations have become more prominent in the past two years. Before that, the Covid-19 pandemic prevented many events from being held for three years.
A Post check found that last year, the government approved more than HK$4.1 million (US$527,500) for Kwun Tong district’s celebrations, which included performances, sports events, carnivals, local day trips for residents and pet shows.
That was more than triple the HK$1.35 million the district received in 2018, the last time Hong Kong celebrated National Day under normal circumstances, before the pandemic and the social unrest of 2019.
Wan Chai district, which spent HK$155,000 in 2018 – the least among all districts that year – received about HK$2.2 million last year.

This year’s record 400-plus events are over a third more than last year, when all pandemic social distancing measures were lifted.
Over 185,000 flags, banners and commemorative items have been placed at more than 5,000 locations, and specially designed manhole covers have been installed at 75 locations.
The activities include a show with 1,000 students singing patriotic songs and 2,099 drones, 75 local tours for 7,500 residents and a five-day bazaar with 75 booths at Sha Tin Park from October 25 to 29.
The government said earlier that the Home Affairs Department had set aside HK$27 million for these activities, almost double the HK$14 million which went to the 18 districts in 2018.
In a written reply to the Post, the department did not disclose how much public money went towards National Day celebrations in the past three years, but said it was an occasion for celebration by the whole nation and the government always placed great importance on commemorating the country’s founding.
“Every year, the government collaborates with various sectors of the community to celebrate National Day with the public through a series of activities,” it said.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, the city’s No 2 official, has said the spending is “worth it”.
Some major events this year are also being sponsored by the commercial sector or covered by donations.
Most activities have remained similar over the years, including street decorations, arts performances, sporting events, carnivals, local trips and tea parties.
But some events in recent years that have raised eyebrows include pet shows, inauguration ceremonies by organisations for newly elected members, esports experience days and health checks.
Veteran district councillor Chris Ip Ngo-tung, now serving in the Yau Tsim Mong district council, conceded that some previous celebrations emphasised quantity over quality.
But he noted that in recent years there had been more themed exhibitions and fairs highlighting national development and achievements.
“I’ve observed many young families taking their children to the events, which is encouraging to see,” he said, adding that this was a big change from the past when many regarded National Day as just another day off from work.

Chris Chu*, a lawyer in his late thirties, said he would take his five-year-old daughter to a National Day-themed fair near their home in Sham Shui Po only if they had nothing else to do.
“Many parents I know would do the same. I don’t think attending such fairs will enhance my or my daughter’s national identity. They seem unrelated,” he said.
On Saturday afternoon, two National Day-themed exhibitions at the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Science Museum had about 50 visitors each, mostly elderly residents.
Two young families approached by the Post at the Museum of History said they visited because they happened to be in the area.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant with semi-official Beijing think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the celebrations aimed to help Hongkongers associate October 1 with a “happy day”.
“These events aren’t necessarily meant to greatly enhance Hongkongers’ sense of national identity and pride. Rather, they’re created to give Hongkongers a positive attitude towards the date – the birthday of the country,” he said.
He also felt the rising number of events reflected the city’s changing political landscape, with the government and social sectors becoming bolder in organising such events since the introduction of the national security laws.
“I don’t believe that more events necessarily mean better results. However, the more events are held, the wider the scope of influence becomes,” he said.
*Name changed at interviewee’s request.


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A Post check has found that public funds allocated to districts for National Day celebrations have increased substantially over the past five years. Photo: Dickson Lee

Chief Secretary Eric Chan, the city’s No 2 official, has said everything being spent on National Day celebration will be “worth it”. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The rising number of events reflects the city’s changing political landscape, an analyst has said. Photo: Sam Tsang

Crowds buzzing for National Day-themed drone show over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour

The “Galloping Horses in the Sky” drone show started at 8pm. Photo: Dickson Lee

Pandas drew the loudest reactions from the crowd. Photo: Dickson Lee

A Star Ferry vessel and other local attractions were included in the show. Photo: Dickson Lee

A flower blooms over the harbour. Photo: Dickson Lee

A drone horse gallops across the sky above Victoria Harbour. Photo Dickson Lee

The drone show closed with messages related to National Day. Photos: Dickson Lee

Mainland Chinese early birds flock to Hong Kong ahead of National Day ‘golden week’

Many tourists are seen crossing the city’s land checkpoints on Saturday morning. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Tourists take pictures at the University of Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

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Hongkongers watch last year’s National Day fireworks. Photo: Elson LI

Discounts will be on offer for select goods and services, including Hong Kong’s iconic Peak Tram. Photo: Felix Wong

Star Ferry voyages between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, as well as Central, will be free of charge on National Day. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

News

Hong Kong

Politics

City’s districts spend more on China’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, but some events raise eyebrows


City’s districts spend more on China’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, but some events raise eyebrows.
