Eerst even wat uitleg over het festival zelf (van internet afgeplukt):
"Festival of the Bun Hills
That's right, a bun festival. Also known as the "Festival of the bun hills," the four-day celebration includes parades, opera performances, and children dressed in colorful costumes.
"Festival of the Bun Hills
That's right, a bun festival. Also known as the "Festival of the bun hills," the four-day celebration includes parades, opera performances, and children dressed in colorful costumes.
But the most spectacular feature by far is the bun towers - large bamboo structures several stories high, piled with sweet buns. The bun towers are located in front of the Pak Tai temple, built in 1783 to commemorate the Pak Tai, the Taoist God of the Sea. There are several temples in Hong Kong honoring the Pak Tai who, according to legend, threw the prince of evil out of heaven. Of greater importance to Cheung Chau's inhabitants, however, is his reputed role in driving away pirates who had launched a series of attacks on the island. According to local lore, the attacks ceased once the temple was built.
Racing For Buns
The buns, which have been blessed, are handed out to the people on the final day of the festival. Traditionally, men competed in a race to climb up the towers and grab as many buns as possible. In 1978, one of the towers collapsed, injuring several people. The tragic accident forced authorities to cancel the competition. However, organizers revived the competition in 2005. To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, the towers are now made of steel, covered with a bamboo scaffolding to look more authentic. Prospective bun-climbers must take a training course to learn basic mountaineering skills.
Racing For Buns
The buns, which have been blessed, are handed out to the people on the final day of the festival. Traditionally, men competed in a race to climb up the towers and grab as many buns as possible. In 1978, one of the towers collapsed, injuring several people. The tragic accident forced authorities to cancel the competition. However, organizers revived the competition in 2005. To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, the towers are now made of steel, covered with a bamboo scaffolding to look more authentic. Prospective bun-climbers must take a training course to learn basic mountaineering skills.
Beginning in 2007, replica buns will be used in the bun scrambling competition. This is to ensure the safety of the competitors, as real buns could become slippery in wet weather. However, festival-goers will still be able to collect buns from the three main bun towers.
Origins of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival
The origins of the bun festival are unclear. According to one source, it commemorates the islanders killed by pirates, and whose spirits may still be wandering the island. As with the Hungry Ghost Festival, islanders provide food and burnt paper offerings to placate these wondering souls. It is probably also designed to pay tribute to Pak Tai. The festival falls just before the start of the fishing season, so honoring the god is one way to ensure fair weather and a good catch. "
Jammer genoeg hebben wij de wedstrijden niet gezien. Gaf helemaal niks, want het was zo ook al erg leuk. Na een boottochtje van een uur kwamen we op het eiland aan. We hebben de optocht gezien, heerlijk gegeten met zijn allen aan een grote tafel, wat rondgeslenterd en op het strand gespeeld. Klik op deze foto voor een uitgebreide fotoreportage.
Origins of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival
The origins of the bun festival are unclear. According to one source, it commemorates the islanders killed by pirates, and whose spirits may still be wandering the island. As with the Hungry Ghost Festival, islanders provide food and burnt paper offerings to placate these wondering souls. It is probably also designed to pay tribute to Pak Tai. The festival falls just before the start of the fishing season, so honoring the god is one way to ensure fair weather and a good catch. "
Jammer genoeg hebben wij de wedstrijden niet gezien. Gaf helemaal niks, want het was zo ook al erg leuk. Na een boottochtje van een uur kwamen we op het eiland aan. We hebben de optocht gezien, heerlijk gegeten met zijn allen aan een grote tafel, wat rondgeslenterd en op het strand gespeeld. Klik op deze foto voor een uitgebreide fotoreportage.
Hier zitten alle kinderen in hun eigen bootje op de grote ferry. Van achter naar voren, steeds van links naar rechts: Eveline, Femke, een klein stukje Lotte, Celine, Lena, Jonas, Max en helemaal vooraan Emile.
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