Operation Santa Claus: A European festive tradition right here on Hong Kong's waterfront
The Great European Carnival offers the chance for everyone to relax, have fun, play games and savour a centuries-old Christmas tradition
Picture the scene: an anxious guy swings a mallet in the air in hope that his strike will ring the bell proving his manliness to his girlfriend, as raucous music plays and crowds jostle for their turn to ride the carousel. Stilt walkers and jugglers weave around people queuing for mulled wine and candy floss.
Now imagine that same scene with Hong Kong's arresting cityscape looking onto the harbour, and it might not feel so familiar.
The tradition of carnivals "coming to town" over the festive period spans back to medieval Europe but has yet to establish itself across Asia, despite the increasing prevalence of European cultural products and brands in the region.
But the founder of the AIA Great European Carnival, Michael Denmark, is filling this gap in the market - bringing to Hong Kong a Christmas carnival modelled on the tradition that is unique to and symbolic of low-brow European entertainment.
AIA carnival is supporting Operation Santa Claus, the annual festive fundraiser jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK. All 22 beneficiaries of the charity event are invited to visit the carnival, which will be open from December 16 and also runs through the Lunar New Year holiday.