Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year (i.e. late May or June). Wondering what the festival is all about, and how to celebrate it in Hong Kong? We’ve got you covered. Here’s all you need to know about the traditional holiday, from its origin to festive delicacies to a range of events and festivities — imagine thrilling dragon boat races, like the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, and Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade. Let’s get began!
Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
Despite many speculations around the origin of the festival, one of the more well-known ones is that the day is to honour Qu Yuan, a Chinese patriotic poet and an adored state servant who gave his life for his country. He was, however, exiled by Emperor Huai because of fraudulent accusations and, after the next emperor surrendered the country to their adversaries, Qu submerged himself in the Miluo River.
Upon hearing of Qu’s demise, villagers rowed along the river to recover his body, but in futile. To prevent the fish from devouring his corpse, they made zongzi, or glutinous rice dumplings, and cast them into the river. This has since evolved into the Chinese traditions of consuming zongzi and propelling dragon vessels during the festival.
Traditional Dragon Boat Festival events
Dragon Boat Competitions
Dragon canoe competitions have been around for more than a thousand years. The event is originated from the Lingnan region of China, where people believed the water that passed through the oars of dragon canoes was auspicious. But the modern iteration of the contests actually originated in Hong Kong some 40 years ago. In 1976, the first international dragon boat race was conducted in Hong Kong, with nine local teams competing against a Japanese team. The competition defined the sport at an international level and established the foundation for the dragon boat races we are so familiar with today.
Every summer, various thrilling dragon boat competitions take place across the city. But to truly experience the intensity of the Dragon Boat Festival, look no further than the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, where more than 100 local and international teams convene to compete in the Victoria Harbour. What’s more, it’s free to see the races on the harbourfront!
Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village: an up-close glimpse at dragon vessels
Apart from witnessing dragon boat competitions, a visit to the Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village is also a must if you want to find out more about the culture and traditions of dragon boating. Located on Lamma Island, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent islands, the village is home to two authentic wooden dragon vessels. You can enter the vessels for free and attempt paddling and pounding the drums. There are also photo locations and activities for you to get a glimpse of the life of a fisherman.
Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade
Legend has it that a pandemic struck Tai O on Lantau Island back in the 19th century, so the local fishermen began a ritual to drive away the evil fate. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, they would parade statues of deities on small vessels on the waterways. Since then, dragon canoes have been used by Tai O villagers every year to honor the spirits and pray for peace and health. Today, the celebration also includes traditional rituals like cai qing (‘plucking the greens’) and ‘receiving the gods’. Make sure to visit Tai O for this century-old event!
Traditional festive food: zongzi
You can’t have a Dragon Boat Festival without zongzi, or glutinous rice fritters. Many people still prepare their own zongzi from scratch, but most people in Hong Kong merely purchase ready-made ones from restaurants, hotels or markets.
The most common zongzi in Hong Kong is the Cantonese variety, with tender pork belly, roasted duck, pickled eggs, and mushrooms. Some restaurants even add luxurious ingredients like abalones, scallops and truffles. Or if you have a sweet appetite, opt for the sweet varieties with red bean purée or sweet potatoes.
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Mercado Wolski
Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year (i.e. late May or June). Wondering what the festival is all about, and how to celebrate it in Hong Kong? We’ve got you covered. Here’s all you need to know about the traditional holiday, from its origin to festive delicacies to a range of events and festivities — imagine thrilling dragon boat races, like the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, and Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade. Let’s get began!
Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
Despite many speculations around the origin of the festival, one of the more well-known ones is that the day is to honour Qu Yuan, a Chinese patriotic poet and an adored state servant who gave his life for his country. He was, however, exiled by Emperor Huai because of fraudulent accusations and, after the next emperor surrendered the country to their adversaries, Qu submerged himself in the Miluo River.
Upon hearing of Qu’s demise, villagers rowed along the river to recover his body, but in futile. To prevent the fish from devouring his corpse, they made zongzi, or glutinous rice dumplings, and cast them into the river. This has since evolved into the Chinese traditions of consuming zongzi and propelling dragon vessels during the festival.
Traditional Dragon Boat Festival events
Dragon Boat Competitions
Dragon canoe competitions have been around for more than a thousand years. The event is originated from the Lingnan region of China, where people believed the water that passed through the oars of dragon canoes was auspicious. But the modern iteration of the contests actually originated in Hong Kong some 40 years ago. In 1976, the first international dragon boat race was conducted in Hong Kong, with nine local teams competing against a Japanese team. The competition defined the sport at an international level and established the foundation for the dragon boat races we are so familiar with today.
Every summer, various thrilling dragon boat competitions take place across the city. But to truly experience the intensity of the Dragon Boat Festival, look no further than the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, where more than 100 local and international teams convene to compete in the Victoria Harbour. What’s more, it’s free to see the races on the harbourfront!
Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village: an up-close glimpse at dragon vessels
Apart from witnessing dragon boat competitions, a visit to the Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village is also a must if you want to find out more about the culture and traditions of dragon boating. Located on Lamma Island, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent islands, the village is home to two authentic wooden dragon vessels. You can enter the vessels for free and attempt paddling and pounding the drums. There are also photo locations and activities for you to get a glimpse of the life of a fisherman.
Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade
Legend has it that a pandemic struck Tai O on Lantau Island back in the 19th century, so the local fishermen began a ritual to drive away the evil fate. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, they would parade statues of deities on small vessels on the waterways. Since then, dragon canoes have been used by Tai O villagers every year to honor the spirits and pray for peace and health. Today, the celebration also includes traditional rituals like cai qing (‘plucking the greens’) and ‘receiving the gods’. Make sure to visit Tai O for this century-old event!
Traditional festive food: zongzi
You can’t have a Dragon Boat Festival without zongzi, or glutinous rice fritters. Many people still prepare their own zongzi from scratch, but most people in Hong Kong merely purchase ready-made ones from restaurants, hotels or markets.
The most common zongzi in Hong Kong is the Cantonese variety, with tender pork belly, roasted duck, pickled eggs, and mushrooms. Some restaurants even add luxurious ingredients like abalones, scallops and truffles. Or if you have a sweet appetite, opt for the sweet varieties with red bean purée or sweet potatoes.
Read Also : What games can you play for free with PS Plus?