Last night I went to Tin Hau to see the "Fire Dragon Dance" for the first time. The 67-metre-long dragon is studded with thousands of burning joss sticks. I was so excited to see this incredible spectacle of fire and smoke as the dragon danced through the backstreets of Tai Hang.
Unfortunately, I only saw the head and tail of the dragon leave the temple. I tried to chase the dragon down the backstreets but there were just too many people and I got stuck in human traffic. I was told later that tonight is when the dragon will be lit on FIRE! So if you want to experience this great cultural event, head down to Tai Hang tonight at 7:30pm!
According to Dr. Hoyin Lee of The University of Hong Kong, the Fire Dragon Dance was first danced in Hong Kong in 1880. In that year, a plague broke out in the Tai Hang village. An old man of that village had a dream where Buddha instructed the villagers to light firecrackers and perform a fire dragon dance for three days and nights during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sulphur from the firecrackers dispelled the plague and the ritual has been repeated annually ever since.
Besides the Fire Dragon Dance, you can also check out the 'Lee Kum Kee Lantern Wonderland' in Victoria Park. The highlight this year is a Giant Fish made out of glowing lanterns. Free paper lanterns will be given out to kids and the young at heart. For more event details, click HERE.
Wishing everyone a brilliant Mid-Autumn Festival 2011!!!
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