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Thursday, 24 April 2025

Roaring Rhythms: The 2025 Lion Dance Festival Lights Up Da Nang Downtown

2025 Lion Dance Open Convention
A Festival of Strength, Artistry, and Cultural Pride

Da Nang Downtown is set to erupt in color, rhythm, and powerful motion as the 2025 Lion Dance Open Convention takes center stage at Sun Wheel Square from May 1 to May 3. This nationally anticipated festival, hosted by the Vietnam Lion Dance Federation, brings together Vietnam’s most elite lion dance troupes for three unforgettable competition nights that celebrate tradition with a modern twist.

Three Nights, Three Spectacular Themes

The 2025 edition of the festival introduces a vibrant trio of themed competition nights, each offering a unique experience for spectators.

Da Long Quang – A Fusion of Light and Motion

Kicking off on May 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the opening night introduces a fresh theme—Da Long Quang. Visitors will witness graceful dragon dances accompanied by dynamic light effects, creating a surreal experience as dragons glide through a kaleidoscope of colors. With 6 to 10 teams performing, this debut promises both beauty and power in motion.

Lan Dia Buu – Grounded in Tradition

On May 2, the second night features 15 to 25 lion dance teams showcasing traditional ground-based performances. Divided into two competitive rounds, Lan Dia Buu highlights the harmony between the performers and their lions, emphasizing rhythm, emotion, and refined techniques rooted in centuries-old Vietnamese festival traditions.

Mai Hoa Thung – The High-Stakes Showdown

The closing night on May 3 brings the intensity to new heights—literally. Mai Hoa Thung challenges dancers to perform daring acrobatics on tall poles, demonstrating masterful balance and precision. This night is a true test of athleticism and artistry, promising edge-of-your-seat performances that will leave the audience breathless.

Vietnam’s Best Lion Dance Teams on One Stage

This year’s festival gathers 27 of the most renowned lion dance teams from across Vietnam, including celebrated names like Dinh Tran Vo, Tu Cau, and Hao Dung Duong. These teams bring a mix of experience, youth, and creativity, with many having won national and international competitions. From Hanoi to Can Tho, the event showcases the depth and diversity of Vietnam’s lion dance talent.

Overseeing the competition is a panel of esteemed judges from the National Referee Board, led by Meritorious Artist Giang Van Dat. Their involvement ensures the highest level of professionalism and fairness throughout the festival.

A Cultural Playground in the Heart of Da Nang

Beyond the main stage, the festival transforms Sun Wheel Square into a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can stroll through interactive exhibits exploring the history and symbolism of lion and dragon dances, or join traditional Vietnamese games like hopscotch, tug-of-war, and OX chess. These activities reconnect both children and adults with joyful memories of traditional village festivals.

Tastes of the Festival

Food lovers won’t be disappointed. The nearby Vui Phet Night Market features over 50 food stalls offering everything from local specialties to street food favorites. Panda restaurant serves up riverside BBQ with a view of the Han River, while Sun Wheel Square hosts a special culinary zone offering signature dishes from Ba Na Hills, along with check-in-worthy ice cream and Sun KraftBeer, brewed on-site.

Ticket Info and Special Promotions

2025 Lion Dance Open Convention

General admission to the festival is 50,000 VND per person, with children under 1 meter tall entering free. Visitors holding AIO tickets, combo passes, or experience packages can enjoy the event at no extra cost.

A limited-time ticket giveaway program runs from April 14 to 20, with 50 complimentary tickets distributed daily to the first visitors who check in at the gate and post on Facebook, tagging the official Da Nang Downtown fanpage.

A National Celebration in the Spirit of Unity

More than just a performance, the 2025 Lion Dance Festival at Da Nang Downtown is a vibrant cultural statement. With red flags waving and the sound of drums echoing through the city, the festival reflects the spirit of Vietnam’s holidays, blending pride, tradition, and community connection in one unforgettable celebration.

For more details and updates, contact:
Da Nang Downtown Customer Service
Website: https://sunworld.vn/en/da-nang-downtown