Hong Kong is gearing up for its inaugural Intangible Cultural Heritage Month in June, expected to attract approximately 100,000 participants from both local and overseas. Organised by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, this month-long celebration aims to immerse attendees in various activities designed to raise awareness of the region’s rich cultural heritage, encapsulated in the theme “ICH Around Town.”
The event will host an array of attractions, including carnivals, workshops, exhibitions, seminars, and field trips. To further engage the public and tourists, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office is introducing special “ICH Highlight Tours” across six carefully selected districts: Yau Tsim Mong, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Eastern, and Islands. This initiative invites exploration of these areas through informative resources and guided experiences.
Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Manda Chan Wing-man, shared insights on the selection of districts, highlighting their unique offerings, such as dragon boat events, ensuring broad representation of the city’s heritage. However, there have been concerns from lawmaker Brave Chan Yung regarding the coinciding of activities with school exam periods, urging for adjustments to accommodate students.
In reply to these concerns, Under Secretary Raistlin Lau Chun reassured that while ICH Month spans all of June, they will strive to make it flexible enough to allow student participation wherever possible, adapting to individual school schedules as needed.
Hong Kong’s first Intangible Cultural Heritage Month in June aims to gather around 100,000 visitors with various cultural activities. The events will focus on raising awareness through the theme “ICH Around Town,” featuring specific tours in six districts. The authorities are addressing potential scheduling conflicts with school exams to enhance student participation.
The first Intangible Cultural Heritage Month in Hong Kong promises to be an engaging celebration, drawing in a large audience with diverse cultural experiences. Featuring interactive activities and targeted tours, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the city’s cultural treasures while considering the needs of students during exam periods. This approach ensures a holistic participation opportunity for all.
Original Source: www.thestandard.com.hk