The highlight of MGM Lion Dance Championship 2025 Annual Spectacle – “The 12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” will take place on October 4 and 5 at the World Heritage landmark site in front of A-Ma Temple.
This prestigious international sports event in the lion dance field is co-organized by MGM and the Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Asia, advised by the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association and coordinated by the Wushu General Association of Macau.
This year's competition has attracted nearly 260 athletes from 22 teams across 14 countries and regions, over 60% are international teams. Participants include teams from Australia, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and first-time contender Brunei, who will compete against teams from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Chinese Taipei for top honors in four major categories: Freestyle Lion Dance (High Pole), Women's Traditional Lion Dance, Youth Traditional Lion Dance, and Junior Traditional Lion Dance.
The 12th international lion dance championship 2025 – MGM CUP Event Schedule
| Location: Barra Square | |
|---|---|
| October 4 (Saturday) | |
| 09:35 – 09:55 | Lion Dance Troupes Parade |
| 10:00 – 10:35 | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:35 – 12:05 | Junior Traditional Lion Dance Championship (5 teams) |
| 12:05 - 12:20 | Performances of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea |
| 13:30 – 19:20 | Freestyle Lion Dance Championship (15 teams) |
| October 5 (Sunday) | |
| 10:00 – 12:10 | Youth Traditional Lion Dance Championship (8 teams) |
| 12:10 - 12:25 | Performances of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea |
| 13:30 – 15:35 | Women’s Traditional Lion Dance Championship (8 teams) |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Award Presentation Ceremony |
The Event schedule will be subject to the latest announcements. The organizers reserve all rights to make changes as necessary based on actual circumstances.
The event will be streamed live online—
Facebook platform: MGM Official, long-shi.com
YouTube platform: long-shi.com
Other platforms: Xinhua News Agency Live Cloud, Baidu, Sina Weibo, Zhongsou Souyue, iQIYI, Youku, Haokan Video, V1, Huya Live, Yizhibo, Live.qq, Yezitiyu, bluewhale, ACFUN, Douyu
In celebration of the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China” year, the Cultural Affairs Bureau and MGM are co-organizing the “Lion Dance Festival 2025” bringing together lion dance artistry from China, Japan, and Korea for a cross-cultural Lion Dance extravaganza at the Navy Yard No. 2 in the Barra District!
The event features a tri-national lion dance exhibition, along with vibrant photo spots and interactive experiences, allowing residents and visitors to explore East Asia’s lion dance culture through visual, tactile, and immersive perspectives.
In addition, lion dance teams from Huzhou (China), Kamakura (Japan), and Anseong (Korea) are specially invited to Macau for a series of cross-cultural performances and exchange activities, bringing exciting shows and engaging experiences to the public.
Let’s bring your family and friends to explore the rich diversity of East Asian lion dance traditions!
“Lion Dance Festival” – China, Japan, and Korea Lion Dance Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: September 27 to October 12, 2025
Venue: Barra District – Navy Yard No. 2
Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:00 (free admission)
“Lion Dance Festival” – China, Japan, and Korea Lion Dance Performances & Exchange Schedule
Dates: October 3 to October 5, 2025
| October 3（Friday） | ||
|---|---|---|
| 17:00 – 17:30 | Performances of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea | Rotunda de Carlos da Maia (Três candeeiros) |
| October 4（Saturday） | ||
| 09:35 – 10:35 | Lion dance troupes parade and opening ceremony for the “12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” | Barra Square |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Lion Dance Cultural Exchange & Experience of China, Japan and Korea | Navy Yard No.1 |
| 12:05 - 12:20 | Performances of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea | Barra Square |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Up-close southern lion dance experience | Navy Yard No.2 Open Area |
| 16:30 – 17:15 | Parade of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea | Barra Square — > Navy Yard No.2 |
| October 5 (Sunday) | ||
| 10:00 - 10:45 | Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lion dance music masterclass | Navy Yard no.1 |
| 12:10 - 12:25 | Performances of lion dance teams from China, Japan and Korea | Barra Square |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Up-close southern lion dance experience | Navy Yard No.2 open area |
Events open to the Public! Advance registration is required for the following two cultural exchange activities due to limited capacity.
“Lion Dance Cultural Exchange & Experience of China, Japan and Korea”
“ Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lion dance music masterclass”
If the number of registrants exceeds the quota, participants will be selected by random draw.
The event schedule is subject to the latest updates. The organizers reserve the right to make changes based on actual circumstances.
