Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

**Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day** is a public holiday celebrated annually on **July 1st** in Hong Kong. It commemorates the **handover of Hong Kong** from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China on **July 1, 1997**, marking the establishment of the **Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)**. This day symbolizes the implementation of the **"One Country, Two Systems"** principle, under which Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy, including its own legal and economic systems, while being part of China. The holiday is marked by **official ceremonies**, **flag-raising events**, and **cultural performances**, often attended by government officials and local residents. It is also a day for reflecting on Hong Kong's unique identity, its development, and its relationship with mainland China. In recent years, the day has also been associated with **protests and demonstrations**, as some residents use the occasion to advocate for greater democracy and civil liberties. Overall, the holiday serves as a reminder of Hong Kong's historical transition and its ongoing role as a vibrant, global city within China.