The fourth national lion dragon dance championship kick-started in Le Huu Phuoc Park, Ninh Kieu district, the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho on February 3.

The three-day event drew 640 competitors from 32 troupes nationwide, including HCM City, Binh Duong, An Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Tien Giang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Soc Trang, Can Tho, and the first localities to join, namely Hai Phong, Quang Nam, Kine Giang, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, and Long An.

They will compete in seven lion dance categories for individuals and teams.

Pham Van Luan, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the annual ceremony aims to promote the traditional form of performance and create an exchange opportunity for the troupes.

Lion dragon dancing is a traditional form of performance – a symbol of luck, prosperity, security and good health during festive events, especially the Lunar New Year.

It has become widespread not only in Vietnam but in many Southeast Asian and East Asian countries. - VNA