People take part in the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

A child (C) in traditional dress is hoisted up during the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP
The parades of deities, called piu sik in Chinese. The idea is to parade the deities around the island, so they can inspect every street and corner and chase away evil spirits. Children under 4 are dressed as legendary deities or modern celebrities, and then they stand on steel frames that make it seem like they’re floating mid-air. At the end of the parade, there’s a very exciting bit: people sprint back to the Pak Tai Temple, hoping to become the first to greet and honor the deity.

A child (C) in traditional dress is hoisted up during the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

People (L) watch a lion dance (R) during the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

A man dressed as a monkey takes part in the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

A man (C) holds a dragon s head as he takes part in the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

People take part in the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

People take part in the Piu Sik parade during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

A worker (R) stamps buns at a bakery during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP

A worker (R) stamps buns at a bakery during Cheung Chau s Bun festival in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. AFP