Celebrated on the 23rd day of the 3rd month of the Lunar year [20 April in 2006], this colourful festival reveres the Queen of Heaven and Goddess of the Sea, the patron of fishermen and seafarers. Legend has it that Tin Hau, born in Fujian Province in 906 AD, was able to forecast the weather and save seafarers from shipwrecks. Birthday celebrants pray for safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year.

There are over 70 Tin Hau Temples scattered around Hong Kong, some in remote fishing villages but many in what have become urban areas. The oldest temple, dating from 1266, is at Joss House Bay, located in the eastern New Territories on Sai Kung Peninsula. This is the scene of some of the biggest celebrations, including a parade of fishing boats decked out in colourful flags. Another colourful celebration is held to the north in Yuen Long, where many locals take part in a three-hour parade through the town to worship at the Tin Hau Temple.