Crumbling walled villages, creaky Victorian mansions and thousands of years of folklore populated with ghosts, ghouls and demons are not the only reason Hong Kong makes a good setting for a Halloween party. The city’s unique history as a place where East meets West means that European festivals, including All Hallows’ Eve, are deeply entrenched in its cultural fabric.
The local affection for costumes parties has ensured that Halloween in particular has a permanent home in Asia's world city. Hong Kong is a fast-paced and hard-working society that demands a lot of its population, so naturally, we relish the chance to put on a disguise, let our hair down and have a howling good time once in a while. We are only human, after all. Or are we?
This annual outbreak of mad masquerading, complete with fancy dress parties, themed shopping malls and festive foods is known as Hong Kong Halloween Treats.
Did you know?
Nowadays, the celebration of Halloween in Hong Kong mostly involves putting on a disguise and hitting the town. In fact, the city has earned a reputation as the Halloween party capital of Asia. Unsurprisingly, this custom seems to have started in Lan Kwai Fong - one of Hong Kong’s most well-known nightlife spots. Sometime in the early 1990s, bars in the area began throwing Halloween parties and revellers started turning up in costumes.
From there, Halloween party fever quickly spread across the city and these days you can find all sorts of Halloween events taking place, from the blockbuster parties of the city’s theme parks, to the raucous celebrations in nightlife districts, including Lan Kwai Fong, where it all began.
