Dragon Boat Festival: fun facts and festivities

Want to experience something unique in Hong Kong? The annual Dragon Boat Carnival and its adrenaline-inducing races are quite the affair to remember. Every year in Hong Kong, paddlers take to the waters to in exhilarating races, which have historically been held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month — the anniversary of the death of famed Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Read on for a quick cultural guide to the event.

Did you know?

Here are some fun facts about the Dragon Boat Carnival, according to Cindy Tsui, Vice Honorary Secretary of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and member of the Hong Kong Women’s Dragon Boat Team:

• Dragon boating as a modern sport began right here in Hong Kong. The first international dragon boat races were held in 1976 in this city. A Japanese team was invited to compete alongside nine local teams — kickstarting modern-day dragon boat competitions around the globe. The event has grown over the years and today Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races are part of the three-day Dragon Boat Carnival, which includes several other fun events at Central Harbourfront and throughout Hong Kong.

• These days, most race-friendly boats are made out of fiberglass instead of wood. However, the design of the traditional wooden boats is usually more intricate. If you’re interested in checking out wooden boats in action, head to the Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships (Stanley Main Beach, 25 June).

• It’s certainly thrilling to watch teams race towards the finish line, but the start of the race is an equally gripping part of the competition. The first five strokes are the biggest indicator of team spirit: When you see teammates sharing the same rhythm and masterfully synchronising their energies, you know you’re witnessing something magical!

• Dragon boating has been a long-standing tradition among fishing communities to appease the Gods. To appreciate this ritual up close, head to The Dragon Boat Water Parade of Tai O. (Tai O, 25 June).

Off the water

The team spirit of the paddlers – highlighted by Cindy – is infectious, and every year Hongkongers gather under the modern skyline of Victoria Harbour, enjoying boats, beers and the beating of the drums. Visitors join in and contribute to the roar of hundreds of thousands of spectators cheering on the world’s top dragon boat athletes as they battle it out to the finish line at the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races. Only Hong Kong could take an ancient Chinese tradition and transform it into a modern sport and international party!

On the water

The real highlight of the festival is the fierce-looking dragon boats racing in a lively, colourful spectacle. The special boats, which measure more than 10 metres, have ornately carved and painted 'dragon' heads and tails, and each carries a crew of 20-22 paddlers, including a drummer and a steersperson. Participants train in earnest for the competition, with a diverse mix of traditional local teams, like the fishermen, corporate boats from numerous professions and private teams made up of locals and expats paddling side-by-side. Sitting two abreast, with a steersperson at the back and a drummer at the front, the paddlers race to reach the finish line, urged on by those pounding drums and the roar of the crowds.

Whether you’re an athlete, a spectator or just a fan of zongzi dumplings – the food mascot of the festival complete with its own legend – if you find yourself in Hong Kong at this time of year, make sure you’re not far from the water and join the party!