With the local epidemic stabilizing, Hongkongers got all dressed up to celebrate Halloween in style over the weekend. Here’s our round-up of some of the most outrageous costumes at Lan Kwai Fong this year.
Jack Skellington and Sally
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Theres’ nothing like seeing the 90’s Halloween classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, come to life amid the neon-lit streets of Lan Kwai Fong. The details—like Jack Skellington’s signature skeleton hand and Sally’s ragdoll stitches—are testament to the amount of time and effort that went into perfecting the costumes for the once-a-year occasion.
Money Heist
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Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao! These guys in their Money Heist costumes were widely photographed (and promptly Instagrammed) this year. Bonus points for getting all your friends together for a groupie shot.
Carrie Lam
Ah, our dear Chief Executive. Carrie Lam singlehandedly thrust Hong Kong into turmoil with an ill-fated extradition bill last year, shaking awake even the most politically apathetic housewives who now respond with equal parts sighs and curse words when the evening news is on. This cosplay pays homage to Lam, who—we’re reminded by this picture—still hasn’t delivered this year’s policy address.
Joker
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When Joker was released last year, the titular, dramatic clown character had “be me for Halloween!” written all over him. This guy featured the troubled villain in a dress.
Donald Trump
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With the US elections coming up, we expected to see a couple of Donald Trumps out this year. The sign this Trump cosplayer holds is much like the unpresidential president’s Twitter feed: full of irregular use of capitalization and vaguely worded. But context is a powerful thing, and let’s hope he keeps his “so will I” promise.
Doraemon
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Amid the sea of pop culture icons, these Doraemon caricatures were a refreshing sight reminding us of a simpler time—one when a racist man wasn’t competing for a second US president term, and when COVID-19 wasn’t ravaging the world.
Sailor Moon
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Who says guys can’t be anime superheroines? Not this man, who proudly struck a pose as police—as the killjoys they tend to be—behind enforced social distancing restrictions.
Avatar
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The hit 2009 film Avatar has definitely left its mark on popular culture. As we eagerly anticipate the film’s sequel, which is set for release next year, we’ll just have to settle for seeing Jake Sully’s Halloween look.
A COVID-19 particle
We’re wrapping up our 2020 list with this rather joyous COVID-19 particle. Thankfully, Hong Kong has successfully fought off a third wave of the virus in time for Halloween this year. A desolate Lan Kwai Fong on Halloween night might have been the scariest sight of all, and one we’re glad we didn’t have to witness.
