Macau Roars with MGM’s Lion Dance Series Uniting Heritage, Sports, and Contemporary Art

The 13th International Lion Dance Championship 2026 – MGM Cup
takes place at Barra Square on October 10–11

From September 19 to October 18, Macau bursts with vibrancy as the 13th International Lion Dance Championship 2026 – MGM Cup and Lion Dance Festival 2026, organized by MGM, transform the city into a stage for cross-cultural celebration, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the exhilarating spirit of lion dance like never before.

On October 10–11, lion dance teams from around the world converge at Barra Square for the championship. Set against the historic A-Ma Temple, one of Macau’s treasured World Heritage landmarks, audiences will witness a captivating fusion of athleticism, traditional artistry, and excitement through a series of high-level lion dance competitions in a distinctive setting steeped in history.

The festivities extend well beyond the championship. From September 19 to October 18, Lion Dance Festival 2026 will be held at Navy Yard No. 1 in the Barra District. This year, alongside curated storytelling on Chinese lion culture, four lion dance inheritors and five contemporary cross-media artists offer their own interpretations of the lion head, bringing traditional craftsmanship into dialogue with avant-garde creativity. Sharing sessions with the artisans and DIY workshops are open for visitors to deepen their appreciation of the vibrant lion dance culture. For more details, please visit mgm.mo.

Four lion dance inheritors and five contemporary cross-media artists
showcase their unique interpretations of the lion head