Carnival revisits taste of home

The fourth and largest-ever Hometown Market Carnival, an annual grand showcase of foods and culture from regions across the Chinese mainland, kicked off at Victoria Park on Wednesday and drew huge crowds.

Over 370 special booths were set up and operated by 30 different provincial-level hometown associations in the city. The carnival is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm through Sunday.

The regular admission fee is set at HK$5 (64 US cents), with free entry for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

For the first time, the carnival features dedicated booths showcasing agricultural products from rural revitalization initiatives, including sweet potatoes, fresh corn, organic brown rice, raw peanuts, wild mushrooms, and various local dried goods.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said that through the diverse delicacies from all over the country, residents and visitors can experience firsthand the fruitful results of the national rural revitalization strategy.

The opening was energized by a performance of Yingge dance, a folk square dance originating in the Chaoshan region of Guangdong province. With a history of over 300 years, the dance is characterized by robust movements and rhythmic beats.

Visitors can browse a wide variety of authentic products, including sea cucumbers from Liaoning province, mushrooms from Yunnan province, and coconuts and lychees from Hainan province.

Fu Siu-yin, who sells Hainan products, told China Daily that her booths mainly feature regional produce such as fresh lychees and sweet potatoes.

A fourth-time participant, Fu said that showcasing these products helps support local farmers and boost the agricultural sector within the Hainan Free Trade Port — an island-wide special customs zone.

"Our team spent two months preparing for this event," Fu said. "It has been an annual tradition for us, and we are here to support government initiatives."

Despite the sweltering heat, many residents came to enjoy the festivities. Among them was a local resident surnamed Wong, who was exploring the carnival with a friend.

Holding a freshly baked naan — a traditional flatbread enjoyed in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region — Wong said, "I also bought some peanuts. … The organizers do a fantastic job running this event every year."

Another attendee, surnamed Li, originally from Zhejiang province but living in Hong Kong for over 60 years, left the park carrying bags of local specialties from Jiangxi province. "For me, it's always the regional delicacies that attract me most," Li said with a smile.

The event also attracted many foreigners. A young Briton surnamed Sebastian, who studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, enjoyed the beverages on offer at the different booths, especially a drink from Shanxi province — cola mixed with Shanxi vinegar.

"It sounds weird, but it's actually pretty good; you guys should give it a try," Sebastian said.

Su, a Chongqing native living in Hong Kong, was helping out at the Chongqing booth. "Hong Kong residents have shown immense enthusiasm and a genuine love for foods of our hometown," Su said.

"Our cotton candy and rice noodles are today's top sellers. I truly hope that every visitor returns home with a heart full of joy," she added.

Roys Zhang contributed to this story.

gangwen@chinadailyhk.com