Hong Kong welcomed 2026 with a thunderous display of cultural pride as the annual Dragon & Lion Festival and 8th World Dragon & Lion Day transformed Tsim Sha Tsui into a kaleidoscope of motion and sound on New Year's Day. A record-breaking 138 lion dance teams and 1,500 performers from over ten countries and regions paraded through the streets, their synchronized movements accompanied by traditional drumbeats that echoed across Victoria Harbour.
The festival, now in its eighth year, showcased innovative choreography blending martial arts and modern dance while maintaining centuries-old traditions. Teams from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas demonstrated regional variations of the art form, underscoring its global appeal. Organizers emphasized the event's role in promoting cross-cultural understanding through shared heritage.
"This celebration shows how traditional Chinese culture evolves while keeping its essence," said festival director Li Wei during the opening ceremony. The event coincides with increased tourism to Hong Kong, with visitor numbers this New Year period reportedly up 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
