“The Dragon Festival 2024”: Celebrating the Chinese Year of the Dragon
Press Release: 1st February 2024
The Chinese In Wales Association (CIWA) is thrilled to announce the launch of “The Dragon Festival 2024”, a vibrant celebration honouring the Chinese Year of the Dragon. This unique festival, proudly supported by Arts Council Wales and our valued event partners, will explore the cultural heritage of both the Chinese and the Welsh dragon within a celebratory program across Wales.
Event Highlights:
In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), CIWA is excited to bring to life Chinese and Welsh Dragons through a newly choreographed Dragon Dance, captivating audiences at events throughout Wales.
Signature Events in Partnership with National Museums Wales:
- Chinese New Year at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea: Sunday 11 February 2024.
- Chinese Heritage Day at St Fagans Museum of History, Cardiff: Saturday 8 June 2024.
For Chinese communities in Wales, the Dragon holds dual importance, representing both a major part of their Chinese heritage and a beloved emblem of Wales. The Dragon Festival 2024 is designed to share Chinese Arts & Culture across Wales, fostering cultural exchange and unity among communities.
Symbolism of the Year of the Dragon:
2024 is the Chinese Year of the Wood Dragon, beginning on February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and concluding on January 28th, 2025. Year of the Dragon is a momentous time in the Chinese calendar and symbolises power, nobility, honour, luck, and success. The year of the Dragon comes every 12 years and alternates between the Wood, Fire, Earth, Water and Gold Dragon. An example of famous Western individuals born under the sign of the dragon include Charles Darwin, Martin Luther King Jr., Vladimir Putin, Bruce Lee, Salvador Dali, and John Lennon.
Welsh Dragon ‘Y Ddraig Goch’ The Red Dragon. The dragon symbolises a fierce but benevolent creature, victorious through its determination and bravery. Adopted by 5th-century Welsh kings, to symbolise their power and authority following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Henry Tudor is credited with the creation of the modern Welsh flag when he placed a red dragon on a background of white and green.
Quotes from Key Figures:
The Year of the Dragon holds profound significance in Chinese culture. This initiative offers a remarkable opportunity to delve into the symbolism of the Dragon, weaving together the vibrant cultural threads of both Chinese and Welsh heritage. It serves as a catalyst to fortify the bonds between communities, nurturing unity and fostering a shared appreciation for our diverse cultures.”
Mrs Shirley Au-Yeung, Founder & CEO of Chinese in Wales Association
This has been a fantastic opportunity for our designers to create the Chinese and Welsh dragons, which will be animated and performed at this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations. We look forward to seeing the launch of this performance in RWCMD on Thursday 29 February and throughout the 2024 Dragon Festival year.”
Mr Sean Crowley, Director of Drama, RWCMD
Hosting the Chinese New Year celebrations is always a delight for the National Waterfront Museum. The museum takes great pride in being a part of the launch of The Dragon Festival 2024. This spectacular Chinese New Year celebration event is poised to play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and friendship across Wales.”
Mr. Steph Mastoris, Head of the National Waterfront Museum
Key Event Dates:
Launch of Chinese New Year of the Dragon | Waterfront Museum Swansea: Sunday 11 February 2024 | 11 am to 4 pm | Performances from 2 pm |
Welsh & Chinese Cultural Celebration | Carne Foyer, RWCMD Cardiff: Thursday 29 February 2024 | 6 pm to 7 pm
Chinese Heritage Day & Dragon Boat Festival | St Fagans Museum of History, Cardiff: Saturday 8 June 2024 | 11 am to 4 pm | Performances from 2 pm
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General Enquiries:
For general information about the project, please email to our Creative Engagement Lead Ms Jia Wang
Collaborations and Partnerships:
For collaboration, partnership, and event sponsorship enquiries, please email to our CEO Mrs Shirley Au-Yeung
Thank you for your support and we look forward to celebrating The Dragon Festival 2024 with you!
