The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as 端午节 or Duānwǔjié, in case you want some culture, is a traditional holiday celebrated throughout China and in other parts of the world with Chinese communities.
It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which generally falls between late May and mid-June in the Gregorian calendar.
This festival has a long history dating back more than two millennia. It originates in ancient China and is associated with various legends and traditions, including the myth of the poet Qu Yuan and the practice of competitive rowing of boats decorated with dragon heads.
One of the best-known legends associated with the Dragon Boat Festival is the story of Qu Yuan, famous Chinese poet and patriot of the 3rd century BC. Qu Yuan is said to have committed suicide by throwing himself into the Mi Luo River, in protest against political corruption. The villagers rowed their boats and threw zongzi (rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves) into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body. This practice has become a festival tradition.
One of the most notable features of the Dragon Boat Festival is the dragon boat rowing competitions. These boats are decorated with dragon heads on the bow and stern, referring to the Long dragon , and paddlers compete in exciting races while spectators cheer from the shore.
During the festival, a variety of traditional foods are eaten, including zongzi, which are rice cakes filled with sweet or savory ingredients and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Other traditional dishes can also be enjoyed, such as rice wine, glutinous rice buns, and various seasonal fruits.
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated around the world, not just in China, and is an opportunity for Chinese communities and people from other cultures to enjoy traditional food, activities and festivities. It is a colorful and meaningful holiday that celebrates the culture and history of China. Also an opportunity to meet with family and friends, honor ancestral traditions and enjoy the exciting decorated boat competitions.
This year it is June 10, don’t miss it