Photos: 年宵市場 (New Year Fair)

For the past week there's been quite a throng of crowds as people have been preparing for Chinese New Year. In Hong Kong in particular, there are special fairs called 年宵市場 (New Year Fair) that sell a variety of things for the holiday. Here are some pictures of the fair in 維多利亞公園 (Victoria Park).



You'll first hit the crowds as you approach the park. Luckily there are plenty of police to direct the pedestrians and the crowds make an orderly entrance.


When you get to the entrance you'll notice that at night there are generally three groups: (1) couples, (2) groups of friends, or (3) parents with young children.


It's so crowded that lanes are specifically designated for one-way walking and there are plenty of signs to direct you towards an exit if the crowds get too much for you.


Once you're inside, what you see is simply a sea of heads.


People running the stalls make a lot of noise to attract your attention.





Some of the things on sale range from the playful such as stuffed bananas, balloon giraffes, street signs, paintings, or pinwheels....






... to plants and flowers for luck and decoration.




Of course, what fair would be complete without street food?



Once you're done, you can take your bags of goodies and head for the exit.


新年快樂! 恭喜發財!