"Once, my passion for the Fire Dragon
Dance was the concern for its survival.
Today, I have helped conserve this
cultural heritage for the next generation."

The Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang is an annual event that has been held since 1880 during Mid-Autumn Festival. The tradition is believed to drive away infectious diseases and bring good fortune. Having grown up in Tai Hang, Chan Tak-fai has been a Fire Dragon Parade participant since his childhood days, and is now the Fire Dragon Dance Commander and Keeper of the Flame. Concerned that this century-old tradition might die out, he was delighted when the Club began sponsoring this signature activity so that this fine example of traditional Chinese culture will not only be preserved, but more importantly, be passed on to future generations.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long stressed the importance of cultural preservation and heritage. Since 2010 the Trust has been supporting the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and has extended its support to the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival and the Tai O Traditional Dragon Boat Water Parade The Trust also funded a field study and data collection project for the traditional Yu Lan Ghost Festival, and supported the development of a designated website. In addition, a community education programme was organised to allow more people, particularly the younger generation, to learn more about these unique traditions, and be inspired to preserve Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.