The Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)
This is the single most important Chinese festival of the year, a time for visiting friends and relatives (often in mainland China). For Hong Kong's expatriate residents, it's a time to take a break. There are various things to see during the Lunar New Year. The highlight is the fireworks display, when Victoria Harbour lights up in a multi-million dollar pyrotechnic extravaganza. There is also a lively flower market in Victoria Park. In recent years, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has organized a New Year Parade in Central, which is amusing if stopping short of being dazzling.
Much More Important to the pragmatic Hong Kong Chinese, Lunar New Year is a time of year when debts should be cleared. It is also a bad time for employers-staff are paid an annual bonus of at least one month's salary, and if they have performed well, they expect to receive more. People greet one another with “Kung Hei Fat Choy” which is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. In return for the greeting, they expect to receive little red packets with “lai see” (lucky money) inside.
Shops traditionally close at Lunar New Year, but increasingly many of the larger ones stay open to attract extra trade.