• 02/23/2025

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Hong Kong

HKFP Lens: Pomp, ceremony and patriotism for Handover anniversary, as police deploy across Hong Kong

Hong Kong Free Press

july 1 2023 events

Hong Kong marked the 26th anniversary of the Handover from Britain to China on Saturday, with pomp and patriotism replacing what – for decades – was a day of protest. The day began with top officials attending a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, as residents enjoyed transport, food and shopping discounts across the city.

July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary
Patriotic groups celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Hong Kong Handover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The city saw thousands of police officers deployed across Hong Kong Island, whilst an 87-year-old man holding a placard calling for the security law’s repeal was detained by police in Causeway Bay, and later released.

July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
People pose with a banner outside the entrance to an event celebrating the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule at Victoria Park on July 1, 2023. Photo: Irene Chan/HKFP.
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
July 1, 2023 26th handover anniversary Victoria Park
An event in Victoria Park held on July 1, 2023 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the city’s Handover from Britain to China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
china chinese flag july 1 patriotic event
Patriotic groups celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Hong Kong Handover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
china chinese flag july 1 patriotic event
Patriotic groups celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Hong Kong Handover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
china chinese flag july 1 patriotic event
Patriotic groups celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Hong Kong Handover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
china chinese flag july 1 patriotic event
Patriotic groups celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Hong Kong Handover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
flag-raising SAR Establishment Day ceremony wanchai exhibition centre bauhinia square
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
flag-raising SAR Establishment Day ceremony wanchai exhibition centre bauhinia square
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
flag-raising SAR Establishment Day ceremony wanchai exhibition centre bauhinia square
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
flag-raising SAR Establishment Day ceremony wanchai exhibition centre bauhinia square
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
flag-raising SAR Establishment Day ceremony wanchai exhibition centre bauhinia square
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Chief Executive John Lee
Chief Executive John Lee (far right) at the Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

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https://hongkongfp.com/2023/07/02/hkfp-lens-pomp-ceremony-and-patriotism-for-handover-anniversary-as-police-deploy-across-hong-kong/