Advertisement

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival kicks off in blaze of colour

Coastal breezes and sporadic showers did not cool fervour of thousands of paddlers and spectators gathered for annual event

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Some 4,000 athletes from 14 countries and regions will compete in the races this year. Photo: Dickson Lee

Scores of paddlers clashed on the waterways in glorious sunshine on Thursday morning as they kicked-off the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

Advertisement

Across the city, centuries-old traditions returned with events scattered from Tai O to Aberdeen, Stanley to Sha Tin, with hordes of chanting onlookers and sweating participants bracing themselves for the tough competition and searing conditions.

Fortunately, coastal breezes and occasional showers made this year’s event a much cooler one, though the cheering crowds remained as heated as ever.

Spectators cheered the paddlers on, as they pushed forward to the beat of the drums. Photo: Dickson Lee
Spectators cheered the paddlers on, as they pushed forward to the beat of the drums. Photo: Dickson Lee

In Aberdeen, 35 races proceeded in quick succession on the 380m course.

Advertisement

The boats sped past the spectators in a flurry of spray and bright fabric. Standing on the promenade, one could feel the determination of the contestants as they battled through the pain, to the beat of the boat’s drummer.

Advertisement