• The “12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” will be held on 4 and 5 October.
• The championship has attracted 22 teams from 14 countries and regions with a total of 247 participants.

For years, MGM has been dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese culture. Since founding the International Lion Dance Championship in 2010, it has been committed to bringing this ancient art to younger generations and the international stage. Now entering its 12th edition, the “12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” will be held at Barra Square on 4 and 5 October. Lion dance teams from around the world will compete on the same stage, showcasing the fusion of strength and beauty to the beat of drums.

MGM China held a press conference at the MGM MACAU Grand Ballroom on 26 August to unveil details of this year’s championship while also hosting a graduation ceremony for the “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025”.

Kenneth Feng, President and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, stated in his address that, over the past 15 years, MGM’s Lion Dance IP has continued to innovate and grow.

“Beyond cultivating young lion dance masters, MGM is committed to making lion dance artistry accessible to people of all ages and genders, ensuring its legacy is passed down through generations,” he said.

Global Lion Dance teams compete
As one of the world’s three Southern Lion Dance competitions, this year’s competition has attracted 22 teams from 14 countries and regions, totaling 247 participants. Over 60% are international teams, including those from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Italy and Brunei – the latter marking its debut.

The number of teams registered in the youth category this year has increased by over 14% compared to last year, setting a new record. Overseas participating teams also feature female athletes, underscoring the event’s value in promoting gender equality and fostering the next generation of practitioners.

For the third consecutive year, the competition is held at Barra Square, integrating the spirit of lion dance into the community. This location not only brings the vibrant tradition into the community but also leverages its UNESCO status to attract a wider international audience, allowing spectators to watch the event while immersing themselves in Macau’s cultural atmosphere.

Lion Dance Festival: A tri-regional performance
This year also marks the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China” event. A “Lion Dance Festival” will be held from 27 September to 12 October, bringing together lion dance cultures from China, Japan and South Korea for the first time.

The exhibition will be held at Navy Yard No.2 in the Barra District. Lion dance troupes from Huzhou (China), Kamakura (Japan) and Anseong (Korea) will visit Macau from 3 to 5 October. Through community performances and exchange activities, audiences will experience the distinct styles of Chinese, Japanese and Korean lion dance up close.

Nurturing young lions to continue the legacy
Beyond major competitions, MGM has consistently promoted lion dance education over the years. This year’s “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025” saw six times more enrolments than available places, with participants hailing from 70% of schools across Macau. This demonstrates the growing popularity of lion dancing among the younger generation.

Since its inception in 2015, over 740 participants have completed the program. Having mastered foundational techniques, they may further advance to the “MGM Lion Dance Training Program”, gradually evolving into vital forces for the art’s preservation.

With the ongoing expansion of the International Lion Dance Championship and its accompanying events, MGM has not only taken lion dancing beyond traditional temple fair stages but also introduced it to World Heritage sites and international communities. Through cultural exchange and heritage preservation, this millennia-old art form is being revitalized with contemporary brilliance.