For the first time in three years, Macao’s famous drunken dragon dance will be held as part of the Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
The famous dance, which is on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, but returns on Friday, with performances and processions around the city from 9:30 am. Traditional rice dumplings will also be handed out to the public.
The celebration originated in Macao’s fishing community, when participants would gather to pray for the safety and prosperity of the fishing fleet. It eventually took root as a popular folk festival, commemorated by people from all walks of life.
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The dance itself, involving performers spraying beer and rice wine from their mouths as they lurch through the streets, is unique in China.
A number of events that were suspended during the pandemic have made, or are making, a comeback.
The Procession of Our Lady of Fátima was held earlier this month after a three-year hiatus. The International Fireworks Display Contest, suspended since 2020, will be held in the autumn and the Macao International Parade returns in the first or second quarter of next year.
