International Youth Dance Festival to bring 800 performers to Macau, Hengqin

From July 18 to 23, the International Youth Dance Festival 2026 will be held, bringing together about 800 young performers from around the world, as Macau and Hengqin use the weeklong event to promote youth exchange and cross-cultural dialogue.

Organized by the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and several government departments and regional partners, the festival will run under the theme “Dancing Youth, Vibrant Future.” Officials said the program is designed to showcase dance traditions while encouraging interaction among participants.

A new feature this year is a cross-border flash mob in Hengqin on July 19, where international performers will dance with local youth in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Officials said the initiative highlights Macau’s role as a connector for local and global cultural exchange and supports Greater Bay Area integration.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, DSEDJ Director Kong Chi Meng said the festival will feature 23 youth dance groups, including 10 from Macau and 13 from overseas. The program will include indoor and outdoor performances, flash mobs, and workshops.

The opening parade on July 18 will involve 32 groups in total, with about 800 dancers set to perform along a route from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to Senado Square.

Beyond dance performances, the festival will include a photography competition and online promotions to encourage public participation. Youth volunteers will also take part, creating opportunities to interact with visiting performers and build new connections.

Tickets for the two indoor performances will be distributed free through an online registration and lottery system. Applications open June 29 and run through July 6, and selected attendees will receive digital entry codes.

The dance shows will also be livestreamed on the event’s social media channels.