Lion, dragon, unicorn dance festival to return to Da Nang after 1-year hiatus

The People’s Committee of Hoa Cuong Ward said that it had launched a plan for the 2026 Hoa Cuong–Da Nang Expanded Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn Dance Competition, which will take place at Ban Nguyet Circle, an extension of Bach Dang Pedestrian Street.

According to local authorities, the event aims to turn lion, dragon, and unicorn dance performances into an annual sports tourism product in Hoa Cuong Ward, serving the cultural and sporting needs of residents and visitors.

The festival is also expected to help promote the image of Hoa Cuong and Da Nang as nighttime entertainment destinations, diversify tourism services, attract more visitors, support the local community, and contribute to the development of the nighttime economy.

The event will capitalize on the scenic advantages of the Bach Dang riverside route, Dragon Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, and nearby tourism services.

The event venue will feature four key areas.

Area A will serve as the main competition arena, along with a VIP grandstand.

Area B will host a food and shopping street comprising 50 booths offering regional specialties, street food, souvenirs, and OCOP-certified products.

Area C will feature cultural activities and traditional folk games, while Area D will be reserved for event partners and sponsors.

Earlier, the Da Nang People’s Committee approved the organization of the 2026 Hoa Cuong–Da Nang Expanded Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn Dance Competition.

The city assigned the municipal Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to guide Hoa Cuong Ward authorities on professional and organizational matters in accordance with regulations.

According to the Hoa Cuong Ward administration, the former Hai Chau District People’s Committee successfully organized expanded lion, dragon, and unicorn dance festivals in 2023 and 2024.

Those events attracted thousands of residents and visitors and received widespread media attention, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values associated with lion, dragon, and unicorn dance performances.

After a one-year interruption, the festival this year is expected to be a major attraction for both residents and tourists.