Sha Tin Racecourse Celebrates National Day with Acrobats, Three Tenors and Horse Racing
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Sha Tin Racecourse was transformed into a celebration venue on Thursday as Hong Kong marked the 77th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The festivities featured the Cangzhou Acrobatic Troupe from Hebei Province and China's Three Tenors, who performed together for the first time since the 70th National Day celebrations seven years ago. The Group 3 National Day Cup served as the centrepiece of the horse racing event.
Key Points
- The Cangzhou Acrobatic Troupe from Hebei Province performed their signature Dragon Leaping Over China – Flagpole Acrobatics, balancing heavy traditional flags on their foreheads, palms and shoulders
- China's Three Tenors – Dai Yuqiang, Warren Mok and Wei Song – returned to Sha Tin together for the first time since their performance at the 70th National Day celebrations seven years ago
- Despite 33-degree Celsius heat on October 1, spectators gathered under clear morning skies eagerly awaiting the performances and the marquee Group 3 National Day Cup
- The tenors led the crowd in singing the national anthem, accompanied by the Hong Kong Police Band, officially opening the race meeting
- Local racegoers Mr and Mrs Chow, Jockey Club members attending their fourth race meeting, said Hong Kong lacks patriotic atmosphere and holidays like National Day offer important participation opportunities
Why It Matters
The National Day celebration at Sha Tin Racecourse demonstrates Hong Kong's continued integration with mainland cultural traditions, combining horse racing with patriotic performances that resonate with local residents. The event attracted both tourists and residents who see National Day as an opportunity to express national pride in a city where such displays remain relatively uncommon.
The National Day celebration at Sha Tin Racecourse demonstrates Hong Kong's continued integration with mainland cultural traditions, combining horse racing with patriotic performances that resonate with local residents. The event attracted both tourists and residents who see National Day as an opportunity to express national pride in a city where such displays remain relatively uncommon.