Happy Dragon Boat Festival!

As May comes to an end, people across China and other parts of Asia prepare to celebrate one of the most ancient and vibrant traditional festivals — the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival. In 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on May 31, marking a time for family gatherings, cultural remembrance, and delicious food.

The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival can be traced back more than 2,000 years. The most widely known legend behind this holiday is the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and minister from the Warring States period. Qu Yuan, known for his loyalty to his country and his moving poetry, drowned himself in the Miluo River after witnessing the decline of his beloved state. In memory of him, people threw rice dumplings into the river to keep the fish from eating his body and paddled out in boats to search for him. These acts eventually evolved into the traditions of eating zongzi and holding dragon boat races.

One of the most iconic foods associated with the festival is zongzi — sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, often filled with red bean paste, dates, salted egg yolks, or meat. Families come together in the days before the festival to prepare zongzi, sharing stories and preserving culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Another highlight of the festival is the dragon boat race, an exciting and visually stunning sport. Long, narrow boats decorated like dragons are powered by teams of rowers, often accompanied by rhythmic drum beats. The races are not only thrilling to watch but also serve as a symbol of teamwork, courage, and cultural pride.

In modern times, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained increasing global recognition. UNESCO even listed it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, highlighting its cultural significance. Today, the festival is celebrated in many countries around the world, with dragon boat races held in cities like Singapore, Vancouver, and Sydney.

As we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 2025, let us remember the values of loyalty, love for one's country, and the importance of family and tradition. Whether you're enjoying zongzi with loved ones or watching a dragon boat race, may this festival bring you happiness, health, and harmony.