Drunken Dragon Dance Tradition Preserved in Guangdong Village

In Changzhou Village, Zhongshan, Guangdong, the centuries-old custom of the drunken dragon dance is being kept alive by 60-year-old Huang Jinjian, a provincial representative inheritor of the unique practice. The annual parade, held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, combines martial arts, dance, and alcohol consumption in a spectacular display that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Huang Jinjian, who has been involved in the practice for half a century and is the sixth generation inheritor in Changzhou, leads the performances and teaches the art to younger generations. The drunken dragon dance integrates techniques from Southern Fist, Drunken Fist, and acrobatics, requiring a solid basis in martial arts. Huang Jinjian's team showcases impressive martial arts and dance abilities during the annual festivities.

Why this matters: The preservation of the drunken dragon dance tradition in Changzhou Village highlights the importance of safeguarding unique cultural customs for future generations. As modernization and globalization continue to impact traditional practices, the efforts of individuals like Huang Jinjian play a vital role in ensuring that these ancient arts are not lost to time.

The tradition has also spread to Macao, where fishmongers perform the drunken dragon dance annually to express their nostalgia for their hometown. In the Lingnan region of China, the 'drunken dragon dance' is a unique spectacle where performers indulge in alcohol while swaying with wooden dragon heads and sometimes spraying the liquor from their mouths.

The annual parade involves villagers gathering at temples to pay respects to deities, followed by the drunken dragon dance performance. "The drunken dragon dance is a fundamental part of our village's lunar festivities," said Huang Jinjian. "By teaching the younger generations, we ensure that this unique practice, which combines martial arts, dance, and alcohol consumption, will continue to be celebrated for years to come."

Key Takeaways

• Centuries-old drunken dragon dance tradition kept alive by 60-year-old Huang Jinjian in Changzhou Village.
• Drunken dragon dance combines martial arts, dance, and alcohol consumption, dating back to Ming-Qing dynasties.
• Huang Jinjian, a provincial representative inheritor, leads performances and teaches the art to younger generations.
• Tradition has spread to Macao, where fishmongers perform it annually to express nostalgia for their hometown.
• Preserving unique cultural customs like the drunken dragon dance is vital as modernization impacts traditional practices.