Thundering Dragon Boats Navigate Hong Kong Waters in Commemoration of Traditional Chinese Celebration (AP Photos)

HOKKA DE HONGKONG (AFP) - A sea of people congregated in the southern region of Hong Kong yesterday to witness the captivating dragon boat races, an integral part of a Chinese festival steeped in over 2,000 years of history.

Skilled teams synchronized their movements as they navigated their dragon boats through the water, meticulously following their drummers' rhythm and racing to seize the coveted first place. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm from the local populace and visitors alike.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as "Tuen Ng" in Cantonese, is remarkably associated with numerous ancient stories. However, the most renowned myth revolves around a virtuous official who succumbed to a premature death due to political turmoil. As a tribute, village dwellers took to the water in boats, thumping their drums in mourning, and cast rice dumplings into the river in an effort to protect the official's remains from predators. Consequently, dragon boating and the consumption of rice dumplings are customs deeply ingrained within the festival's tradition.

The festival extends its celebrations beyond Hong Kong, also drawing crowds in mainland China, Taiwan, and countries housing a significant Chinese diaspora, such as Singapore and Malaysia. In Tongzhou, Beijing, races were held along the northern section of the Grand Canal.

In the heart of Hong Kong, a typical boat can accommodate 20 skilled paddlers.

Recent forecasts indicated that around 380,000 mainland Chinese tourists were expected to visit the city during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday break, signifying a 16% surge in daily average visitor arrivals.

This is a curated photo gallery orchestrated by AFP photo editors.

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More on the Dragon Boat Festival

Festival traditions in Hong Kong revolve around the exhilarating dragon boat races, the consumption of zongzi (rice dumplings), and cultural practices believed to ward off evil spirits. These customs embody the festival's spiritual meaning and pay homage to the story of the dedicated official who selflessly sacrificed himself for his nation.

The annual event holds significant significance for the local community, fostering camaraderie, and preserving intangible cultural heritage. In modern times, the festival has been integrated into comprehensive cultural programs, such as the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month, which offers workshops and tours on traditional customs. Prominent races like the Stanley Dragon Boat Championships emphasize the city's ties to both local and global traditions.

The festival's global appeal transcends borders, attracting Chinese diaspora communities worldwide. Its rich tapestry of colorful spectacles, competitive spirit, and deep cultural relevance has secured its place as a symbol of Chinese heritage globally, inviting countless spectators and participants to embrace diverse cultural exchanges and strengthen familial bonds.

In the United States, the Emergence of a New COVID-19 Variant in Washington State has caught the attention of the government, prompting key insights and preventative measures to be implemented. Meanwhile, back in the bustling city of Seattle in Washington State, the Annual Dragon Boat Festival is set to commence, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, visitors, and Chinese diaspora. Filled with energetic races, the consumption of rice dumplings, and cultural practices, the festival in Seattle embodies the spiritual meaning of the event, paying homage to thestory of the dedicated official who selflessly sacrificed himself for his nation.