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The Chinese New Year is the biggest and most eagerly-anticipated festival in China and Hong Kong. It's traditionally a time for family, friends and loved ones to see one another, exchange gifts and share a big, extravagant meal. The Chinese New Year also celebrates the imminent arrival of spring and this is the time for new starts, so it is traditional to settle old debts and set children off to a good start to the year with gifts of money given in small red envelopes. Hong Kong celebrates the occasion with a characteristically flamboyant array of events, ceremonies and celebrations. One of the biggest events takes place on Hong Kong Island and includes traditional lion and dragon dances, fireworks and firecrackers, cultural and artistic performances and row upon row of food and drink stalls. Another popular tradition is the New Year Horse Races in Shatin.

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