Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2025 Joined by 12 Countries

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong was enlivened by an international dragon boat racing event which was participated by contestants from various countries. The event was held for two days on Saturday-Sunday, 7-8 June 2025 along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

This year, the race was joined by 4,500 athletes, 190 teams from 12 countries and regions. This includes teams from Qatar and Egypt participating for the first time. In addition, teams from mainland China, Thailand, and other countries also joined. They paddled along the distinctive Victoria Harbour course spanning 500 meters, known for its challenging open water route. Another challenge was the weather in Hong Kong, reaching 33 degrees Celsius, hotter than both Qatar and Africa.

As expressed by Qatari athlete Sheila Caparroso to The Standard, although the weather was equally hot and humid, the climate in Hong Kong felt very different, significantly more humid. For Sheila, participating in the dragon boat race is not just about sports, but also about passion and dedication, as well as appreciating the hospitality of everyone involved.

History and Tradition of Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong

The Dragon Boat Festival is held on the fifth day of the lunar calendar, typically around late May or early June. It is also known as the Tuen Ng Festival, a festival to honor the life and heritage of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, as reported by Time Out.

Qu Yuan was a patriotic poet of the State of Chu. He was exiled during the Zhou Dynasty after opposing the formation of a political alliance with the Qin state, which was believed to be corrupt. When the state of Chu ultimately fell, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River out of despair on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Upon learning of Qu's death, villagers raced out in boats while paddling and drumming, as well as tossing rice dumplings into the water in an effort to keep the fish and evil spirits away from his body. This event became the origin of the tradition of eating rice dumplings and dragon boat races.

A dragon boat team consists of rowers, drummers, and a helmsman in a long and narrow boat. This race has become the most popular part of the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong. Nowadays, several countries also hold similar competitions.

Aside from the races, another important tradition is eating zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings. Wrapped in bamboo leaves, zongzi is made from sticky rice filled with sweet fillings, usually lotus seeds or red bean paste. There are also savory fillings such as pork belly, conpoy, nuts, and salted egg yolk. Simply steam or boil and serve with soy sauce or white sugar to enjoy.

Another tradition is the balancing of eggs, believed to bring good luck. Many people try this during the Dragon Boat Festival in daylight. This is because of the strong gravitational pull between the sun and the earth during that time, according to research.

The festivity of the Dragon Boat Festival attracts tourists from various regions and countries. The local government is also preparing to welcome tourists with exciting attractions during the festival and at other tourist spots around the city.

Editor's Choice: 8 New Tourist Attractions to Explore in Hong Kong

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