The usually quiet Kat O island, located in Hong Kong’s northeast waters, came alive this week as it hosted the infrequent Dajiao Festival, a traditional Taoist ritual observed once every ten years. Known locally as Da Chiu, the festival traces its origins to the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), when it was practiced by imperial courts and government officials. Over time, the rite has evolved into a communal event celebrated in rural villages and fishing communities across southern China.

Kat O, also referred to as Crooked Island, typically has a small population of around 50 residents. However, during the festival, many former inhabitants return to participate in the ceremonies held on their ancestral land. The island is decorated with elaborate bamboo installations, including a prominent main theatre, which serve as stages for cultural performances and religious proceedings.

Central to the festival’s significance is the local belief in the island’s “dragon vein,” a geomantic concept held to represent a natural energy flow coursing through the terrain every decade. Villagers perform rituals not only to honor deities and pay respects to ancestors but also to rejuvenate this dragon vein. The revitalization is seen as crucial for maintaining the community’s peace, prosperity, and divine protection over the next ten years.

Festival activities include Cantonese opera performances, dragon dances, and vibrant parades, all of which contribute to the communal atmosphere and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the island. These traditional events were captured in a series of photographs documenting the blend of spiritual rites and festive celebrations that mark Kat O’s Dajiao Festival.