CHEUNG CHAU, HONG KONG – As the island of Cheung Chau prepares to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday on Wednesday, the annual Piu Sik Parade will take center stage, featuring colorful floats and costumed performers addressing timely issues.
The parade, organized by the Kai-Fong Association, will showcase two main themes this year – the government’s waste charge scheme and anti-scam awareness. In a final rehearsal, child performers took the stage, led by the Cheung Chau Wei Hoi Luk Clansmen Association.
“The ‘leaders’ for the set will be the Environmental Protection Department officials and the landlord – who represent the citizens,” explained Anil Kwong Sai-loi, the chairman of the association. Kwong noted that this year’s parade faced no interference from authorities, despite the recent passage of Article 23 of the Basic Law.
“Satirizing current affairs was not the focus, but reminding the government to listen to the public,” Kwong said. The association hopes the parade will help clarify the waste charge scheme, which has caused confusion among residents.
To prepare for the event, a master costume designer with 30 years of experience created vibrant paintings and a motor-driven fishing boat prop. “It was challenging to install small props that fit the theme and cover the steel frames holding the children,” said the designer, surnamed Lee.
After two weeks of meticulous work, the parade is set to captivate the hustle and bustle of Cheung Chau, blending entertainment with important societal messages.
