04:35The traditional Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance launched the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong on Monday.
Footage shows the performers leading way for a stunning 'Fire Dragon', which was crafted by thousands of incense sticks, before dancing vigorously amidst the cheering crowds. A smaller dragon was also made from LED lightsticks, and was guided by enthusiastic children, creating a delightful festive atmosphere.
"I thought this was amazing. We just saw the beautiful fire dragon going by on the street with all the incense and we also experienced everybody just having a great time and catching photos of it. It was really, really beautiful," said an onlooker.
Footage also captures the process of creating the dragons with craftsmen assembling parts of the dragons by carved wood pieces and LED sticks, as well as bunches of dry hay.
"In the early days, we used to learn from the old masters. Now that I've learned, I've taught the younger generation. So you can see that we now have a lot of craftsmen. In the past, we didn't have that many," shared Pang, a craftsman, on the challenge that organisers used to face.
This year's edition features a 67-metre dragon decorated with over 24,000 incense sticks, according to organisers, along with a 20-metre dragon crafted from LED sticks. Approximately 300 performers took part in the dance with the 'Fire Dragon', while around 100 children performed with the LED one, which added a twist to the event.
"We prepared a new version of the little dragon. This year it is much more beautiful. And there are more children participating. A lot of very cute children. I hope the children can bring more joy to everyone," stated Cheung Kwok Ho, Commander-in-chief of Tai Hang Fire Dragon.
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance was first performed on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1880 to pray for safety and peace. The 2024 edition of festivities lasted from Monday to Wednesday.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival is traditionally a time for families to come together, light lanterns, and enjoy mooncakes.
Dance of the Fire Dragon! Mid-autumn festivities kick off with centuries-old Tai Hang celebration in Hong Kong
The traditional Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance launched the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong on Monday.
Footage shows the performers leading way for a stunning 'Fire Dragon', which was crafted by thousands of incense sticks, before dancing vigorously amidst the cheering crowds. A smaller dragon was also made from LED lightsticks, and was guided by enthusiastic children, creating a delightful festive atmosphere.
"I thought this was amazing. We just saw the beautiful fire dragon going by on the street with all the incense and we also experienced everybody just having a great time and catching photos of it. It was really, really beautiful," said an onlooker.
Footage also captures the process of creating the dragons with craftsmen assembling parts of the dragons by carved wood pieces and LED sticks, as well as bunches of dry hay.
"In the early days, we used to learn from the old masters. Now that I've learned, I've taught the younger generation. So you can see that we now have a lot of craftsmen. In the past, we didn't have that many," shared Pang, a craftsman, on the challenge that organisers used to face.
This year's edition features a 67-metre dragon decorated with over 24,000 incense sticks, according to organisers, along with a 20-metre dragon crafted from LED sticks. Approximately 300 performers took part in the dance with the 'Fire Dragon', while around 100 children performed with the LED one, which added a twist to the event.
"We prepared a new version of the little dragon. This year it is much more beautiful. And there are more children participating. A lot of very cute children. I hope the children can bring more joy to everyone," stated Cheung Kwok Ho, Commander-in-chief of Tai Hang Fire Dragon.
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance was first performed on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1880 to pray for safety and peace. The 2024 edition of festivities lasted from Monday to Wednesday.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival is traditionally a time for families to come together, light lanterns, and enjoy mooncakes.
The traditional Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance launched the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong on Monday.
Footage shows the performers leading way for a stunning 'Fire Dragon', which was crafted by thousands of incense sticks, before dancing vigorously amidst the cheering crowds. A smaller dragon was also made from LED lightsticks, and was guided by enthusiastic children, creating a delightful festive atmosphere.
"I thought this was amazing. We just saw the beautiful fire dragon going by on the street with all the incense and we also experienced everybody just having a great time and catching photos of it. It was really, really beautiful," said an onlooker.
Footage also captures the process of creating the dragons with craftsmen assembling parts of the dragons by carved wood pieces and LED sticks, as well as bunches of dry hay.
"In the early days, we used to learn from the old masters. Now that I've learned, I've taught the younger generation. So you can see that we now have a lot of craftsmen. In the past, we didn't have that many," shared Pang, a craftsman, on the challenge that organisers used to face.
This year's edition features a 67-metre dragon decorated with over 24,000 incense sticks, according to organisers, along with a 20-metre dragon crafted from LED sticks. Approximately 300 performers took part in the dance with the 'Fire Dragon', while around 100 children performed with the LED one, which added a twist to the event.
"We prepared a new version of the little dragon. This year it is much more beautiful. And there are more children participating. A lot of very cute children. I hope the children can bring more joy to everyone," stated Cheung Kwok Ho, Commander-in-chief of Tai Hang Fire Dragon.
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance was first performed on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1880 to pray for safety and peace. The 2024 edition of festivities lasted from Monday to Wednesday.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival is traditionally a time for families to come together, light lanterns, and enjoy mooncakes.