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In Tai Hang area, in CauseWay Bay district, fire
dragon dances (龍火坑大) are performed over three nights.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The dragon is composed of grass, the head being on a cane base
and it is liberally stuffed with burning incense sticks. The throwing
of firecrackers ended with the 1967 ban on firewords.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The Dance is performed on three evenings. The official invited
to officiate on the first evening is an officer of the civil authority,
while the official on the second evening is an officer of
the 'military' authority, represented by the Royal Hong
Kong Police. The third evening is regarded as the Village's own
celebration.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The arrangements are in the hands of the Tai Hang Residents Welfare Association.
The event is a community function which continues a long-standing village
tradition in the heart of modern Hong Kong.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The Dance ceremony starts with the decoration of the Dragon and its stuffing with incense
sticks. It continues throughout the evening through the streets of Tai Hang.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The Dragon head is very heavy so different men have the honor to carry it.
Tai Hang fire dragon
Each year, Police implement special traffic arrangements in Tai Hang area to facilitate
the fire dragon dance processions.
Tai Hang fire dragon
In 2003 the amazing Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance with its 66m long
fiery dragon performed at Victoria Park for the very first time.
Tai Hang fire dragon
When Tai Hang fire dragon dance is over, local people get the burning incense
sticks as they are supposed to be sacred.
Tai Hang fire dragon
Incense sticks from the Dragon are taken home by the dancers to worship
their Tai Hang ancestors who have previously taken part in the
Dance.
Tai Hang fire dragon
The Dragon tail is moving following the erratic movement of the
dancers.
Tai Hang fire dragon
On the last night, the Tai Hang fire dragon is brought back in a lorry with a full
ceremonial with music.
Tai Hang fire dragon
In year 2011 The Cheung Chau Jiao Festival,
the Tai O dragon boat water parade, the Tai Hang fire dragon dance and the Yu Lan Hungry Ghost Festival
have been added to the third national intangible cultural heritage list. The cultural significance
of these four items is recognised by having them inscribed onto the third national list of intangible
cultural heritage.
So there are now advertisements around Victoria Park to announce the Tai Hang fire dragon
festival. Once the Tai Hang fire dragon even came to parade inside Victoria Park to raise awareness to tourists and locals.