June 10
Hong Kong Harbourfront Arena Hong Kong, China
One of the most spectacular and dramatic festivals in Asia is the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, which in June this year commemorates a tragic event that occurred about 2000 years ago. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a Chinese official and poet, drowned himself in the Mi Luo River in protest against corrupt rulers.
Origins of the Ancient Festival
When Qu Yuan threw himself into the water, the local people hurried out in boats to save him. They beat drums and gongs to scare away the fish, but to no avail. Afterwards, they threw traditional sticky rice dumplings, zongzi, into the river as an offering to his spirit.
Since the 3rd century, the legend has been celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month with vibrant dragon boat races. Today, it is a grand and colorful event symbolizing the search for Qu Yuan's body. In addition to the spectacular races, the festival includes the tradition of eating zongzi and other rituals.
Rowing Battles in Victoria Harbour
In 2024, the main festivities will take place on June 10 in the heart of Hong Kong at the Harbourfront Arena in picturesque Victoria Harbour. In the days leading up to it, from June 7 to 9, the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will also be held there.
At the festival, dragon boat associations will fiercely compete in thrilling races. These long, curved boats over 10 meters in length are decorated with intricately carved dragon heads and tails. Teams of 20-22 rowers in vibrant costumes paddle in unison to the beat of loud drums and the cheers of spectators.
A True Carnival in the Best Traditions
But the festival is not just about the spectacular races. The entire central waterfront of Hong Kong will transform into a huge carnival area. There will be stages with live music and DJs, marching bands, lion dances, and performances by artists. There will be no shortage of fairground attractions: game stalls, masquerade costume contests, children's zones, and even a beach with artificial sand.
Numerous food trucks will offer local delicacies and international cuisine to all comers. And for beer lovers, there will be a whole San Miguel Beer Festival.
Watching the vibrant spectacle of the festival is completely free along the entire Victoria Harbour waterfront. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of fun and unique culture!
How to Get There
Harbourfront Arena is located in the Wan Chai district on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. It is easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
The nearest metro stations are Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. From there, it is about a 10-minute leisurely walk along the waterfront to the arena. You can also take buses 5, 7, 26, 101, or 117 to the "Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center" stop. For those walking, the arena is a 30-minute walk from the Central district and a 20-minute walk from Causeway Bay.