Ever notice people burning paper offerings by the roadside and leaving untouched food items outside their shops whenever August rolls around?

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, ghostly spirits are let loose to walk amongst us humans during the seventh month of the year (which is usually a month behind the international Gregorian calendar). And these spirits have apparently been starving, so they must be fed real food and offered fire-treated notes to keep them happy.

The whole month is known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the 15th day of the month called Ghost Day—when Heaven and Hell’s gates are flung wide open. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to catch Cantonese opera performances at makeshift bamboo theaters in certain districts, put on to entertain these wandering spirits. Get in on the action and check the Hong Kong Tourism Board calendar for performance schedules.