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2004 Bun Festival Cheung Chau

The 'bun scrambling' activity was banned by the government 26 years ago after an accident.  This year, the festival organizers are trying to bring it back.  They applied to the government to stage the event this year and the government basically said that they have to prove that the towers are safe and structurally sound and there will be other safety measures to cope with any accidents.  However, no engineers want to take the responsibility to admit that these bamboo structures are safe.  They claimed that it's difficult to measure the robustness of bamboo and suggested that the towers should be built in steel.  But it's too late. There is simply not enough time to rebuild the bun towers so there is no bun scramble this year. In fact, I think it's the first year I've seen a big banner around the bun towers warning people to stay away from the towers because they are not tested for the stability against strong wind!   Maybe next year, the wrapping paper for the buns may have warning like: 'Caution! Don't talk while you eat. You may choke!'

Another disappointing thing is - I can get seafood and meat from the restaurants on Bun Festival day!  As I said the whole island is supposed to go vegetarian for 3 days starting 2 days before the procession.  I haven't checked the first 2 days but on the third day (Bun Festival procession day), I went out for lunch and was expecting to order some vegetarian dishes.  I was so surprised to find that a full seafood menu plus meat dishes were available.  I ordered some meat and no question asked.  I wonder if  it is because of the recession, restaurants are desperate.  After all, many people go to Cheung Chau for seafood.  On a big day like this there will be lots and lots of tourists and it will be a big loss if they are only selling cheap vegetable dishes.  Sorry, tradition.

Year 2004 -- bun towers at night

Child in parade, dressed as Japanese warrior

More impossible balancing, the "Pilot" is holding up the "Stewardess" with one hand.

It's a great day for photographers, bring your best cameras -- and a stool to stand on so you can see over the heads of all the other photographers!

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