Flamenco dancers are set to bring a splash of colour to Hong Kong streets in October

All things Spanish - from tapas to sangria to flamenco - will be showcased live in Hong Kong this October, as part of an annual month-long festival organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

"We want to familiarise Hong Kong people with the best that Spain has to offer, on every level," said Raquel Fernandez, marketing manager of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. " The festival is being sponsored by some well-known Spanish companies and we hope to encourage more people to visit and do business with Spain."

The festival kicks off with the cooking of a huge paella on the opening day on 6 October, washed down with sangria and wine tastings and a professional flamenco performance. Similar tastings, performances and cooking demonstrations will be featured throughout the festival at various locations around the city, as well as celebrity appearances, art exhibitions, games and other entertainment.

"This year in Spain, it is the "Year of Dali 2004", where all the works of Salvador Dali are being celebrated all over the country, so we will reflect this in the Hong Kong festival," said Ms Fernandez. "His work will be displayed at various exhibitions around the city and our Gala Dinner on the last evening (5 November) will have a Dali theme."

The highlight of the festival is La Fiesta Espanola on 13th October, a glittering party for more than 300 people featuring free flowing wine, food, flamenco performances and a Spanish DJ. Spanish restaurants across the city will be offering special menus and prices for the occasion.

In true Spanish style, the festival is also mixing business with pleasure. Interested parties can attend seminars on how and where to invest in Spanish property, and also network with Spanish business leaders and experts.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has grown rapidly in recent years, with a membership of more than 100.

"Many Spanish companies are operating in China with a regional base in Hong Kong, in fact, around 60 per cent of our members are from Spain," explained Ms Fernandez. "With events such as the festival, we hope to increase knowledge about our region and encourage two-way trade."

For more information about the festival, Spanish Chamber