On the first day of the festival it is encouraged to gather together the participants in your circle of celebration. For many that may be your immediate family. For others it can be close friends. Some may even be lucky enough to have a large circle of celebration combining friends and family.

The first official act of the Festival is for each circle of celebration to select one member to serve as the Dragon for the year. This role does not require greater responsibility or special knowledge. The Dragon will lead the Dragon Dance on the last day of the Festival, but other than that, each participant plays an equal role in each day's activities.

It has been suggested that the great honor of being selected as the year's Dragon can be a wonderful gesture from the circle for a member who has had a difficult year or perhaps your circle just takes turns.