For more than 40 years, the lion dance has been one of the most dazzling and time-honoured Chinese New Year traditions at The Peninsula Hong Kong. As 2022 heralds the arrival of the Year of the Tiger, this auspicious ritual will once again be performed to celebrate the beginning of Chinese New Year in the morning of New Year’s Day on 1 February.
Lion Dance Tradition at The Peninsula Hong Kong: An auspicious ritual
Featuring nine lions and one dragon, the spectacle will take place on The Sun Terrace, a sweeping alfresco venue with views over Victoria Harbour. Commencing with a lion-awakening ritual by dotting the eyes of the mystical creatures followed with a specially choreographed performance, the lion and dragon dance is designed to bring luck, blessings, and good fortune to both hotel guests and staff members throughout the year.
The Peninsula Hong Kong is acclaimed for staging the most elaborate performance. This year, for the very first time, the hotel is taking the spectacle to the next level with an enhanced ritual by tailoring special elements of the lion and dragon dance to spread maximal happiness and prosperity. The troupe will include three exclusive Peninsula red and gold lions, featuring the depiction of the Chinese character of the hotel’s name on the back of the creatures’ heads. Other special elements will include unique choreography along with customised drum sets and flags.
To further cement this enduring tradition, The Peninsula Hong Kong will also host a children’s lion dance workshop this year, in collaboration with its long-standing lion and dragon dance partner: the renowned Ha Family, who has been practising the lion dance tradition for almost a century. A special lion dance staycation package will be available from 24 January to 31 March (excluding 1-15 February).