Under the gleaming chandeliers of The Peninsula Hong Kong, cultural luminaries and government dignitaries gathered on April 15 to inaugurate the 32nd French May Arts Festival and 16th French GourMay Food and Wine Festival, reaffirming Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global nexus for arts and gastronomy.
With the steadfast backing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and aligned with the National 14th Five-Year Plan’s vision to position Hong Kong as an 'East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange,' the festivals unveiled a 2025 program blending world-class artistry, culinary innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue.
A Cultural Feast for the Senses
Kicking off with a star-studded press conference, the festivals unveiled their 2025 lineup, promising a dazzling array of experiences.
The French May Arts Festival, themed 'Vive L’art—In Art We Live,' spans art exhibitions, circus acts, jazz performances, and theater productions.
Highlights include the globally acclaimed Picasso for Asia—A Conversation exhibition at M+ (March 15–July 13), a collaboration with Musée national Picasso-Paris, and Gautier Capuçon plays Shostakovich at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Meanwhile, the French GourMay Festival turns the spotlight on France’s liquid heritage with 'Spirits UP!'—a celebration of Cognac, Calvados, and other regional spirits.
Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Nicolas of Gaddi’s curates a special lunch menu (May 2–31) pairing spirits with dishes like Armagnac-glazed duck breast, while bars citywide craft innovative cocktails for a bar-hopping adventure.
Why This Festival Matters
Since 1993, French May has cemented Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s cultural hub, drawing over 20 million attendees across three decades.
Supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and partners like BNP Paribas, the festivals underscore the city’s role in fostering global dialogue.
“French May creates a platform for cultural exchange, enriching Hong Kong’s creative landscape,” said Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Don’t-Miss Experiences
Art & Performance: Catch Le Bal, a whimsical circus-meets-dance spectacle at Tai Kwun (May 9–18), or the gravity-defying Corps extrêmes at Xiqu Centre.
Culinary Adventures: Sip rare vintages at French GourMay Markets (Central Market, May 1–5; Nina Mall, June 6–8) or join workshops decoding the craft behind French spirits.
Film & Music: The French May Cinema Programme (May 20–June 4) screens indie gems, while jazz duo Paris Rendezvous and trumpeter Erik Truffaz ignite stages in June.
A Legacy of Flavor and Creativity
French GourMay, a cornerstone of the festival since 2009, partners with 200+ restaurants, retailers, and educators to demystify French art-de-vivre. From flambéed desserts to Calvados-infused crème brûlée, the festival proves that French gastronomy is as much about innovation as tradition.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for French May events are available via URBTIX, with full details at www.frenchmay.com and www.frenchgourmay.com.
Whether you’re a culture vulture, a gourmand, or simply curious, these festivals offer a passport to France—without leaving Hong Kong.
Bon appétit et vive l’art!
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