Dragon Boat Festival 2024

Happy Dragon Boat Festival 2024!

Anywhere with a view of the water will be packed with people watching the main event of the day: dragon boat racing. Teams of up to 90 people pile into long wooden boats painted to resemble colorful dragons. After painting the eyes on the dragon to bring it to life, it’s time to paddle along to a drumbeat and get to the finish line before the other teams.

Besides the lively competition, traditional activities on this day ward off bugs and maladies as the summer heat brings an uptick in pest activities. Children often wear five-color silk threads for protection, and at home, people hang sachets of herbs and plants that repel bugs. Some try their hand at egg balancing at noon, which is said to bring good luck.

When it’s time for a snack, many will pull out realgar wine and sticky rice dumplings called zongzi, the latter of which honors the legacy of ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Here’s to good fortune this summer and happy Dragon Boat Festival to all!