Ocean Park is reuniting with the Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Association ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival for a grand fire dragon parade and themed exhibition at the Park.
This evening’s parade officially launched with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, bringing a time-honoured custom to life. As the energetic team wove through the Park, their dynamic dragon dance skills and beautifully crafted dragon captivated a massive crowd of enthusiastic spectators.
Representatives from Ocean Park and the Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Association together with other officiating guests perform dragon eye-dotting to launch the parade. (Right photo, from the left: Alun Siu Kwan Lun, Director, Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association; Chan Tsz Lam, Lynn, Assistant District Officer (Southern), Southern District Office, Home Affairs Department; Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation; Professor Chan Yuk-kit, James, Southern District Council Member; Dr Liu Hong Fai, Founding Honorary Permanent Chairman of The Association of Industries and Commerce of Hong Kong Southern District Limited)
Steeped in over a century of history, the Pok Fu Lam Village fire dragon parade dates back to the late 19th century, originating as a ritual where villagers paraded incense-laden straw dragons to ward off disease and pray for peace. Today, it is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong.
Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation, said, “Ocean Park is delighted to join hands with the Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association for the fifth consecutive year in promoting a cherished, time-honoured tradition. Fire dragon dance is not only a hallmark of Southern District heritage, but also an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong. Through today’s grand parade and the themed exhibition in the Park’s Old Hong Kong area running until 8 October, we aim to offer an immersive festive experience for local and global visitors alike, keeping this century-old craftsmanship and community spirit alive for generations to come.”
Alun Siu Kwan Lun, Director, Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association, said, “Rooted in cultural heritage, the Mid-Autumn fire dragon dance serves as a powerful symbol of community unity and prayers for peace. Marking our fifth consecutive year of partnership with Ocean Park, we have invited secondary school students and young performers to lead the parade, highlighting the vital passing of the torch to the next generation. Beyond showcasing the Southern District’s rich cultural heritage, we invite visitors to step into the action, take hold of the dragon and join the dance. Through Ocean Park’s global platform, we hope to offer guests from around the world an immersive hands-on experience with this distinct Southern District festive tradition.”
The Pok Fu Lam Village fire dragon parade at Ocean Park captivates visitors with its majestic presence.
Members of the fire dragon team demonstrate seamless coordination and dynamic dragon dance manoeuvres, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the Park.
Cultural experience continues with exhibition at Old Hong Kong
Following the parade, the Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Exhibition officially opened today at Ocean Park’s nostalgic Old Hong Kong area, running until 8 October. While exploring the Park, visitors can admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the fire dragon up close and learn about the cultural significance and stories behind the traditional ceremony.
Ocean Park warmly invites everyone to join us this Mid-Autumn Festival and experience the vibrant energy of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage firsthand.