Rhythms and roars: Dragon & Lion Festival rings in New Year in Tsim Sha Tsui

Rhythmic drums and colorful lion dances marked the opening of Hong Kong's 2026 Dragon & Lion Festival and the 8th World Dragon & Lion Day in Tsim Sha Tsui on New Year's Day.

The highlight was a grand parade along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade featuring a record 138 lions and over 1,500 performers from more than ten countries and regions.

A grand parade for prosperity and health

Event convener Frankie Ngan Man-yu spoke at the opening ceremony about the festival's 15-year tradition, celebrating every New Year's Day since 2011 with drumbeats and lion dances to wish prosperity and health for Hong Kong.

Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li thanked organizers for preserving and promoting this intangible cultural heritage, enhancing appreciation among locals and visitors.

Addressing the diverse crowd, he welcomed overseas and mainland tourists in English and Mandarin, explaining the lion dance tradition.

Newly sworn-in lawmakers participated in the lion-awakening ritual by dotting paint on the lions, including Vivian Kong Man-wai, Christine Fong Kwok-shan, Chris Ip Ngo-tung, Ben Chan Han-pan, Jody Kwok Fu-yung, Scott Leung Man-kwong, Chan Hok-fung, Perry Yiu Pak-leung, and Chan Wing-kwong.

The ceremony ended with performances by lion dance teams and a golden dragon dance involving nearly ten international troupes and local artists.

Organizers announced a program including martial arts and kung fu displays for public enjoyment.

An interactive cultural zone near the Clock Tower lets visitors strike gongs, play drums, and try on lion heads.

“Feels like going back in time”

Large crowds gathered for the vibrant shows. A Kowloon Bay couple surnamed Fan attended deliberately, feeling nostalgic as if transported back in time.

They appreciated the lively atmosphere that uplifts spirits, suggested more such events for elderly residents to enjoy while they can, and expressed hopes for economic revival with better job prospects, stronger tourism, and growth across sectors.

International tourists were equally captivated. Mei, from Zhejiang, spending New Year's with his girlfriend in Hong Kong, discovered the festival online.

Experiencing lion dances for the first time, he found them highly appealing for immersing in local culture and wished for more events to showcase Hong Kong traditions to visitors.

The festival continues tomorrow with an international lion dance competition from 10am to 5pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.