Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival is a Feast For the Senses

If you’re on a Hong Kong cruise in the months of May or June, you may be fortunate enough to witness the grand spectacle of the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

The adrenaline-fuelled event, which is rooted in more than 2,000 years of ancient Chinese history, is a must-see attraction in Hong Kong. Every year, the festival is held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and while it has incredible historical significance, the athleticism of the participants is a modern-day marvel.

Indeed, many of them train for months to paddle the massive dragon boats – which measure more than ten metres in length – through the water on race day. The boats, which feature ornately carved and painted dragon heads and tails, carry between 20 and 22 paddlers who make their way to the finish to the beats of the traditional drums and the roar of the crowd.

The specially-carved boats honour the ancient legend of Qu Yuan and the festival is one of the oldest events in China. According to traditional lore, the popular national hero flung himself into the waters of the Mi Lo river to protest against the corruption of China’s ruler.

Rallying to save him, the townspeople flung dumplings into the river to keep his body from being eaten by fish and beating drums to frighten the water creatures away.

If your cruise from the UK passes through Hong Kong at the time of the Dragon Boat Festival, you will see this tradition is honoured by eating rice and meat dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Festivalgoers are also often keen to get into the water – whether they are just dipping their toes in or taking a proper swim.

However, it is well worth researching the festival if it is something you are keen on experiencing, as the dates change every year due to the differences in the Chinese lunar calendar Sunset dinner cruise hong kong the western calendar. But you are certain to feel that your research has paid off when you stand among the thousands of locals and tourists who stand at the waterside to watch the spectacle of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Virgin Holidays Cruises is the place to book Hong Kong cruises. With a wide range of cruises from UK available, you will be able to find the perfect deal for you. You can even tailor-make your cruise from UK to make your dream holiday.

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