Heritage conservation and ethnic associations: The Chaozhou Hungry Ghosts Festival in Hong Kong

Abstract

Despite the one-country two-system separation, the Chinese government relates religion and ICH to governance in Hong Kong. During the colonial days, neither the British government nor the locals paid much attention to Hong Kong's heritage or cultural and ethnic tradition. In view of the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997, civil society has further developed. Many locals began to have an interest in local heritage and used them to assert Hong Kong memories and identity. Ethnic associations are well-known to be important organizations which have played a significant role in supporting local and national politics. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, the Conservancy Association, and the Hong Kong Dancing Association were noted by the FHKCCO as important organizations which provided assistance in the organization of the Cultural Festival.