Legends of Lion Dance exhibition in Antwerp

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) is supporting the seventh edition of the 'Legends of Lion Dance'; held in Antwerp, Belgium, on 13-29 January 2023, showcasing Hong Kong's cultural heritage, crafts and Chinese New Year traditions.

A lively Lion Dance Parade, featuring three lions, delighted the crowds as it made its way to Antwerp's China Town on 22 January to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rabbit. The Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Grace Li, officiated at the eye-dotting ceremony.

Greeting the audiences at this festive occasion, Miss Li thanked the organiser for bringing Hong Kong culture to Antwerp. She also invited guests to visit Hong Kong and experience the charm of Hong Kong in person. She highlighted that most COVID-19-related health measures had been lifted, and that Hong Kong was open, welcoming business people and tourists.

The 'Legends of Lion Dance'; exhibition is being held at Antwerp's main public library, the Bibliotheek Permeke, until 29 January. It showcases 14 unique lion heads, embroidered and crafted in Hong Kong. As highlights of the event, there are also two Hong Kong film nights, with a screening of Amos Why's 2021 film, 'Far Far Away'; on January 17 and of Ho Cheuk-tin's 2022 film 'The Sparring Partner'; on January 25.

Together with other workshops and activities on martial arts, movies, culinary cultures, music, Cantonese Opera and calligraphy, the event promotes not only the Chinese New Year tradition in Hong Kong, but the uniqueness of Hong Kong as an international cultural and sports centre.

With the support of the HKETO, Brussels and the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, the event organised by Asian Events Tofoe, a non-profit-making organisation established by Hong Kong second-generation community members in Antwerp, has become a firmly-established event on Antwerp's annual cultural calendar since it was first held in 2017.

Photo shows the Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Grace Li (centre); the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr Wu Gang (first right); the Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Alexander De Beir (second left); and District Mayor of the City of Antwerp, Mr Paul Cordy (second right) attending the exhibition held during the 'Legends of Lion Dance'; at Antwerp, Belgium on 22 January.

Photo shows Miss Grace Li (fourth left); Mr Wu Gang (second right); the representative from the event's organiser Asian Events Tofoe, Mr Joe Choi (first left); Mr Paul Cordy (fifth right) and other guests at the Lion Dance Parade held during the 'Legends of Lion Dance'; event in Antwerp.

In a traditional ceremony, Miss Li dots the eye of the lion, to "wake it up".

Lions on De Coninckplein

The Lion Dance Parade delighted the crowds in Antwerp's China Town.

A dragon dance on De Coninckplein.

A unicorn and a lion at the exhibition "Legends of Lion Dance"

Chinese costumes at the exhibition.

Miss Li explains the exhibits to the District Mayor of the City of Antwerp, Mr Paul Cordy.

Lion heads at the exhibition.

HKETO, Brussels set up a stall on the square, where it distributed Hong Kong Brand promotional items to visitors.