I remember talking about preservation of the performance of unicorn and lion troupes during CNY way back in 2013 (Read here). Ovre the years, with less and less Chinese and more and more non-Chinese involved in keeping this tradition "alive", the question was - how long could this tradition be maintained!
It turns out that such worry in fact is unnecessary. CNY in 2025 saw a very significant increase in both the number and frequency of the performances of lion and dragon troupes. Literally from CNY Eve to Chap Goh Mei, the final day of CNY.
In the past, martial arts demonstration and lion or unicorn dance were part and parcel of a typical performance (Read here). But these days, it appears that most troupes only devote or concentrate on the dance and less demonstration of martial arts by troupes members. Whether it's because of the shortage of martial arts instructors or less troupe members are interested in this demanding skill, I cannot be sure!
But the chance for these troupes to collect angpows in the festive season undoubtedly is something they find it difficult to resist! Still money is probably the key incentive to keep something going :)
02.02.2025 (Day 5) at Gaya Street Sunday Market.
05.02.2025 (Day 8) at Wisma SHELL.
08.02.2025 (Day 11) at Borneo Sports Arena.
10.02.2025 (Day 13) at Damai Plaza.
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