Editorial | Despite uncertainties, Year of the Snake also offers opportunities
The mainland and Hong Kong economies are showing signs of resilience, a trend that is likely to continue in the year ahead
Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration and hope for the future, marked by feasting, fireworks, festive events and family gatherings. The holiday brings aspirations for peace, prosperity and good fortune. Such wishes are timely amid the many uncertainties facing the world as we welcome the Year of the Snake.
Hong Kong will celebrate the new year, which begins tomorrow, in style. The annual parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, will feature 55 performance groups from 14 countries, giving it an international flavour. A 23-minute firework display will light up the harbour on Thursday, while the flower markets bring colour. There are red lanterns – and red packets – as well as lion and dragon dances. There is much to look forward to.
The city drew a neutral fortune stick for the Year of the Dragon. It suggested Hong Kong was trapped in a forest, waiting for spring. Progress in emerging from the woods has been made since then, as the city continues to push for recovery after the pandemic.
One positive sign has been an influx of much-needed tourists to boost the economy. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said arrivals from the mainland were up 30 per cent in 2024, with the total number of visitors including foreigners reaching 45 million. He expects the trend to be even more pronounced in the Year of the Snake.
The Lunar New Year festivities are expected to be a big attraction, with 1.4 million mainland tourists anticipated over the holiday. The city must make sure it is well prepared, so that visitors have an enjoyable and memorable Spring Festival.
Meanwhile, it is to be hoped that prosperity will come in the form of improved livelihoods. A popular piece of music, “Dance of the Golden Snake”, by Nie Er, the famous composer of “March of the Volunteers” which became the national anthem, is often performed in China at this time, signifying an auspicious and prosperous year ahead. This year, it comes as the country continues a drive for economic growth, after hitting its 5 per cent GDP target for 2024, focusing on high-quality technological development.
