BLAZING TRADITION: TAI HANG FIRE DRAGON DANCE IGNITES HONG KONG THIS MID-AUTUMN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural traditions, will return from Oct 5 to 7 in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Inscribed on China’s Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the 67-metre-long dragon, decorated with more than 12,000 incense sticks, will be carried by around 300 performers through Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Wan Road.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement said this year’s event will also feature cultural performances, decorative streetscapes, an inflatable moon and interactive photo opportunities to enhance the festive atmosphere.

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First staged in 1880, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance originated from a ritual performed to ward off misfortune following a typhoon and plague. Built from pearl straw, rattan and hemp rope, the dragon comprises 32 segments, with its head weighing nearly 50 kilogrammes.

Visitors can also enjoy a prelude at Victoria Park beginning Sept 30, with history wall displays, photo spots and exhibits on the fire dragon. On Oct 3 and 4, younger performers will present small LED dragon dances to keep the tradition alive.

In addition, the Fire Dragon Path will be decorated with traditional motifs and illuminated with new installations, while martial arts and LED dragon dance performances will accompany the main procession.

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For a deeper cultural experience, visitors may also explore the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre at School Street, a Grade 3 historic building which houses exhibitions, artefacts and a restaurant serving Hakka cuisine.

-- BERNAMA