The streets of Shau Kei Wan turned into a sea of color last Sunday as local communities celebrated the Tam Kung Festival with a vibrant street procession in honor of the Taoist marine deity.
Dragon dance performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Lion and dragon dance troupes, martial artists and acrobats paraded along Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, from Factory Street Playground to the historic Tam Kung Temple by the waterfront.
Since 2026 is the year of the horse, some performers paid homage to the zodiac animal as well.
Tourists and residents flocked to the narrow streets of the eastern quarter to watch the live performances and try to touch the dragon for good luck.
Performers at the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tam Kung’s birthday celebration culminated in her 101st birthday TEMPLARSwith worshipers burning incense and paper offerings to the deity of the sea, believed to have the power to control the weather and heal the sick.
Lion dance performers outside the Tam Kung Temple during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tam Kung’s birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which coincides with the Buddha’s birthday. The festival is a remnant of Shau Kei Wan’s history as a fishing village.
According to folklore, Tam Kung was born in present-day Huizhou County during the Yuan Dynasty and at the age of 12 achieved Taoist enlightenment and discovered the secret of eternal youth.
Dragon dance performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Roasted suckling pig offerings are placed on a cart during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Children perform traditional music during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A performer dressed in a horse costume joins the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Dragon dance performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Performers push a lucky wheelbarrow during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Children dressed as table tennis players join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 4, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People watch the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Dragon dance performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Acrobat performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Acrobat performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.Dragon dance performers join the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.People touch a dragon head for good luck during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.A child performs a lion dance during the Tam Kung Festival parade in Shau Kei Wan on May 24, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Maintaining freedom of the press; keep HKFP free for all readers supporting our team
Kyle Lam is a graduate of Hong Kong Baptist University who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several awards from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and the Human Rights Press Awards.
