The month will feature more than 100 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) programmes, which aim to protect and promote the nation and the city’s unique cultures.
The event was first proposed by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address in October.
It also coincides with the nation’s Cultural and Heritage Day, which is held on the second Saturday of June each year.
Themed “ICH Around Town”, activities span field trips to outlying islands and Eastern district to carnivals that showcase a variety of traditional events such as the Cheung Chau floats parade, Pok Fu Lam fire dragon dance and Cantonese opera.
All admissions are free of charge.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s ICH office said the month acts as a platform to showcase some of the over 500 ICH events and items in the SAR.
“There are a lot of ICH events and items in Hong Kong,” said Judith Ng, who heads the office.
“When you walk on the streets, you can taste herbal tea, egg tarts and milk tea.
“A lot of people also like to go to restaurants for dim sum, and the techniques for making dim sum are also an intangible cultural heritage item.
“We want the public to know more about ICH items around themselves and to appreciate our cultural essence.”
Ng added that the office would collaborate with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to draw in overseas tourists.
“Tourists can join the tours organised by the office [during the month],” she said.
“If they cannot join, our office will also upload the relevant maps and videos on our website for them to follow and download.
“Tourists can refer to them to explore ICH items by themselves.”
The office hopes to make the event a yearly attraction as a way of strengthening the local characteristics of different districts.
