Po Toi Island Tin Hau Festival 2026

About

The residents of Po Toi Island regard Tin Hau (the Goddess of the Sea) as their guardian deity, making this annual festival one of the island's most significant celebrations. What makes this festival truly remarkable is the extraordinary bamboo theatre structure built specifically for the occasion. The theatre stage is an engineering marvel, constructed using over 400 wooden poles of varying lengths and 2,000 bamboo pieces. Part of the structure dramatically extends outward, perched precariously on rugged rocks by the seaside. This unique architectural feat is unparalleled in Hong Kong and stands as one of the festival's most spectacular attractions. The Cantonese opera performances run for five consecutive days, beginning on the 20th day of the third lunar month. On the 22nd day, dragon boat races take place at Tai Wan (Big Bay), drawing many former residents back to the island for reunions and festivities. Another distinctive feature of the celebration is the "scramble for the Fa Pau" (floral cannon) ceremony held in the afternoon. The organizing committee erects a tall platform behind the temple, where honored guests launch over 30 ceremonial cannons. In front of the platform, on the uneven rocky terrain, dozens of Fa Pau Association members position themselves to catch the falling cannon cores. Those who successfully catch a core are expected to create a new floral cannon and return it to the Tin Hau Temple at the following year's festival. This traditional celebration beautifully combines religious devotion, community bonding, cultural performances, and athletic competition, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Hong Kong's authentic island heritage.