Editorial | Traditions at heart of bun festival should remain

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which returned on Friday after a three-year absence because of the pandemic, has lived up to its reputation as one of the most colourful, traditional and popular events in Hong Kong. Tens of thousands flocked to the outlying island on Friday, with many queuing for hours to secure coveted tickets for the iconic bun scramble. The first batch of buns sold out by 11am. The famous “floating parade”, featuring children dressed as politicians, made a welcome comeback.

The highlight of the first day, the midnight bun scramble, was hotly contested and proceeded safely. Bus driver Chung Yuk-chuen became the “Bun King”, winning the men’s category. Angel Wong Ka-yan earned the title “Queen of Queens” by securing her third victory in the women’s event since 2016.

A successful festival will be a relief for organisers, who have faced challenges after the long absence due to Covid-19. Three landmark bamboo towers bearing buns usually stand 50ft (15.24 metres) tall. This year, they only reached 15 feet (4.57 metres), to the disappointment of islanders.

This is because the only contractor with the skills required, passed down through three generations of his family, faced various difficulties and was unable to make them in time this year. Shorter, metal towers were produced by a different contractor. Hopefully, the tall bamboo towers will return next time. The contractor should be given the support needed but it might also be time for the secrets of the trade to be shared more widely to ensure it survives.

Over the years the festival has had to adapt with the times. The bun scramble used to be a mass event. But two bamboo towers collapsed in 1978 injuring 100 people. It did not return until 2005. Now, the scramble tower is made of steel and strict safety measures are sensibly imposed. Safety must remain a priority.

The festival may need to continue to adapt, but the traditions at its heart must remain. The event’s origins, dating back to the 18th or 19th century, are believed to involve a plague outbreak. That makes it an appropriate way to celebrate Hong Kong’s emergence from the pandemic and to hope the “lucky buns” bring the city good fortune.