Legally Breaking The Rules: The Annual 1st Of July Marches In Hong Kong
Victoria Park Marches In Hong Kong – Photograph from Sy In The City Blog It's a beautiful but sweltering Thursday, and another glorious Hong Kong public holiday. This is a significant day for most local Hong Kongers as the 1st of July 1997 marked the end of the 156 years colonial British rule over Hong Kong, and was also the official date of the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China. In addition to these historical events, the 1st of July has become an annually anticipated date, known for the mass rallying of political and social groups in various locations of the city, with a focal point at the immense Victoria Park . Victoria Park marchers gathering to voice their political and social opinions – Photograph by minalism Since the 1997 handover the original annual protests have been led by the Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) focusing on political, social and welfare issues concerning the citizens of the SAR establishment.