Dragon Boat Festival Expands Global Cultural Reach

The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is a centuries-old Chinese tradition recognized by UNESCO that honors poet Qu Yuan through dragon boat races, rituals, and the making of zongzi. The festival drives a surge in domestic tourism and cultural activities across China, with widespread participation in folk traditions. In Hong Kong, the event forms a centerpiece of Intangible Cultural Heritage Month, drawing international teams and visitors for races, street celebrations, and traditional craft workshops. Internationally, cities like Frankfurt and Belgrade use the festival to promote multicultural exchange with dragon boat competitions and cultural programs featuring music, dance, and Chinese cuisine. These global celebrations underscore the festival's dual role as a sporting event and a conduit for cultural understanding. The evolving festivities reflect the Dragon Boat Festival's growing international influence.