Culture in Motion at Six Meters High: Moments of Lion Dance at Barra Square
BARRA DISTRICTOct 11, 2025
Every October, the streets of Macau resonate with the rhythmic beat of drums — the opening beats of "The 12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup", where a direct impact of history and power unfolds before Barra Square.
A Lion Dance Extravaganza That is More Than Just a Competition
21 lion dance teams from 13 countries and regions, comprising nearly 260 athletes, challenged their limits on October 4 and 5. Atop towering poles, each leap across a 1.8-meter span over six meters above the ground felt exactly like stepping on the heart. Eventually, Foshan Nanhai Huangfeihong Zhonglian Cable Lion Dragon & Martial Art Association - Chinese Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association claimed the champion title with exceptional teamwork. Singapore Yiwei Athletic Association and Myanmar Long De Chuan Ren Dragon and Lion Dance Association secured second and third place, respectively.
The women's, youth, and junior lion dance categories delivered equally dazzling performances. The audience watched in awe as the contestants weaved through the pole formations, executing breathtaking flips and somersaults. Their courage and focus left the audience breathless, immersing them in the spirit of lion dance heritage!
Moving From Tradition to Contemporary Rhythm
The lion dance is no longer just a ceremonial ritual during festivals, but a medium of creative expression across cities. Contemporary lion dance teams have reinterpreted this traditional art with a youthful spirit, transforming rhythm, power, and faith into a narrative that connects communities and cultures.
When the Lion Dance Meets the City
Beyond the competition, the Lion Dance Culture Week 2025 served as a gathering of East Asian lion dance teams at Macau's Barra area. Teams from Huzhou, China, Kamakura, Japan, and Anseong, South Korea presented cross-cultural performances and workshops. This is the first time lion dance teams from China, Japan, and South Korea shared the stage together, transforming Macau into a stage for cultural exchange.
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