The HKSAR on Monday bathed itself in an unprecedented three-day carnival to mark its 16th birthday despite the adverse weather brought by tropical storm Rumbia.

Hundreds of thousands of people defied the No 3 strong wind signal and lashing rain to join in the parades at the festivities, staged at nearly 40 locations across the city's 18 districts.

The festivities, organized by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association (HKCA), had kicked off on Sunday with the People's Liberation Army throwing open its doors at the Shek Kong and San Wai barracks in the New Territories, drawing more than 20,000 spectators. Another Open Day was held at the PLA's naval base on Ngong Shuen Chau (Stonecutters Island) on Monday.

The highlight of Monday's events was the Grand Carnival at Tamar Park, Admiralty, attended by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying; Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Hong Xiaoyong, deputy commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong; and other senior Hong Kong government and mainland officials.

HKCA chairman Cheng Yiu-tong and mainland actress Vicki Zhao Wei officiated at the Grand Carnival, which included a lion dance as well as marching, singing and dancing performances by school children. The theme of the event was: Hand in Hand to Spread the Message of Love.

The open-air Hong Kong Dome Festival at Kai Tak, featuring Korean pop stars Shinee and BoA, was another top draw of the day, with some 18,000 tickets priced at HK$99 each sold out.

Shoppers also had a field day on Monday, taking full advantage of special discounts of up to 50 percent offered at more than 1,000 shops and restaurants across the city as part of the celebrations.

Racing fans were not left out either, with the traditional running of Hong Kong Reunification Cup at the Sha Tin Racecourse. The race was won by Rumba King ridden by HW Lai.

Mainland actress Zhao Wei (in white shirt) joins supporters during the celebration ceremony outside the government headquarters on Monday afternoon. Edmond Tang / China Daily

A pop singer performs at the"Hong Kong Dome Festival". Parker Zheng / China Daily

Fans show banners in Korean at the"Hong Kong Dome Festival" at the site of old Kai Tak airport on Monday. Parker Zheng / China Daily

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (center) and officiating guests propose a toast at the reception to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday morning. Provided to China Daily

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying greets members of the public before the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR at Golden Bauhinia Square on Monday. Provided to China Daily

Police officers raise the Chinese national flag and HKSAR flag at a ceremony to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai on Monday morning. Parker Zheng / China Daily

Supporters of "Voice of Loving Hong Kong" vow to oppose the "Occupy Central" movement during a carnival outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at Tsim Sha Tsui to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR on Monday. Edmond Tang / China Daily

Lion dancers perform in the ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of handover on Monday afternoon. Edmond Tang / China Daily

(HK Edition 07/02/2013 page1)