REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT: Hong Kong protest sees biggest crowds yet on holiday celebrating communist party. “On a holiday meant to celebrate the birth of China’s Communist Republic, Hong Kong residents instead swarmed the streets Wednesday to protest Beijing’s iron grip over their government and demand democratic reforms. The massive crowds appeared to be the biggest yet amid a week of demonstrations that have brought large parts of the city to a standstill. Throughout Hong Kong, it was a day of jarring images and symbolism as authorities tried to carry on with National Day celebrations only to have protesters respond with acts of emotional though peaceful defiance.”