The 12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup to Roar into Action This October at Macau’s Barra Square

Staying true to its commitment to innovating while preserving Chinese cultural heritage, MGM has hosted the annual “International Lion Dance Championship” since 2010. Over the years, the event has evolved from a single competition into a series that encompasses culture, sports, and tourism. It now includes women’s, children’s, and youth divisions, as well as interactive lion dance showcases and cultural exchange activities, fostering a deeper connection with the younger generation.

To continue promoting the rejuvenation, popularization, and internationalization of lion dance, MGM has held a press conference for the “12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” and the graduation ceremony for the “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025” at MGM MACAU. Nearly 100 young lions celebrated their two months of hard training with certificates and a lively lion dance performance.

The centerpiece of the series, the “International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup”, will take place on October 4 and 5 at the Barra Square, featuring 22 teams from 14 countries and regions, with a total of 247 athletes, more than 60% from overseas including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Australia, Italy, and for the first time, Brunei, highlighting the championship’s significant international reach and influence.

As one of the world’s top three Southern Lion Dance competitions, this year’s youth participation has increased by more than 14% to a record high. Additionally, all overseas teams will feature female athletes, a testament to the event’s success in inspiring a new generation of dancers. Barra Square, serving as the venue for the third consecutive year, not only brings this vibrant tradition into the community but also leverages its UNESCO status to attract a wider international audience, expanding the reach of this traditional art form.

In alignment with the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China” initiative, this year’s “Lion Dance Festival” will unite lion dance traditions from China, Japan, and Korea for the first time. The series will kick off with a special exhibition from September 27 to October 12 Navy Yard No.2 in the Barra District. Lion dance troupes from Huzhou (China), Kamakura (Japan), and Anseong (Korea) will join community performances and cultural exchanges in Macau.

MGM remains committed to cultivating young talent. This year’s “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025” saw record-breaking enrollment – six times the original quota – with students from over 70% of Macau’s schools. Since 2015, MGM has trained over 740 young lion dancers. Graduates who pass assessments can advance to the “MGM Lion Dance Training Program” for further professional development, ensuring the continuation of this important cultural legacy.

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