In the past two months, Hong Kong has warmed up for celebrating
the 10th anniversary of its return to the Chinese motherland with
all kinds of anniversary-related activities.
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On May 25, a large-scale Buddha symphony performance was held in
Hong Kong to bless Hong Kong and the whole country.
The day before, nearly 10,000 believers attended a ceremony to
celebrate the Buddha's birthday and also the 10th anniversary of
Hong Kong's return.
On May 6, some 40,000 young people joined a parade and
performance in Hong Kong island to show up their happiness with the
anniversary of Hong Kong's return.
Before that, the name-picking for pandas given as gifts by the
central government, the competition for bunting design, the
choosing of harmonious families, a long-list of other activities
were organized to usher Hong Kong residents to the joyful day which
falls on July 1.
Since April 1, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) government has begun to prepare for the celebration
activities. According to the Celebrations Co-ordination Office, the
HKSAR government will organize 460 events with the help of people
from all walks of life in Hong Kong and the celebration will last
for half a year till October 1, the National Day.
On July 1, 1997, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over
Hong Kong.
In the past ten years, Hong Kong, along with the Chinese
mainland, has experimented successfully the principle of "one
country, two systems." It also won through the Asian financial
crisis, global economic depression and SARS, among other
difficulties, and consolidated its position as a financial, trade
and shipping center in the world.
"It's a special year for Hong Kong as we are now in the 10th
year of return to the motherland," said Donald Tsang Yam-kuen,
chief executive of the HKSAR, at the beginning of the year. "The
HKSAR government will launch a number of large-scale celebration
programs in Hong Kong, mainland, and even overseas to show the
achievements we made under the 'one country, two systems'
principle."
According to the local government, the celebration activities
include ceremonial and celebration events, commissioning of
infrastructure projects, major exhibitions and conferences, as well
as various cultural, sports, community and district events.
"The activities have covered all fields and will be held across
the 18 districts of Hong Kong," said Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-Ngor,
permanent secretary for home affairs of the HKSAR government. "
These activities will exhibit fully a dynamic, pluralistic, and
harmonious Hong Kong."
Currently, the preparation for community activities are in full
swing. Tsuen Wan will launch a fireworks display and a parade, In
Tai Po, a carnival and several nights' theatrical performances will
be held. Sai Kung will focus on the dragon boat competition which
will be participated by competitors from the mainland, Hong Kong
and Macao and Taiwan Province.
In addition to government-sponsored activities, non-government
organizations are also contributing a share to the
celebrations.
The Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce, which is well-known in Hong
Kong, will not only sponsor a batch of Chiu Chow operas in the
coming month but also join hands with 10 other organizations
including Hong Kong's Guangdong Chamber of Commerce and Hainan
Chamber of Commerce to hold a series of performances special for
60,000 children born in 1997.
(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2007)