Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival
Culture as a Bridge for Community Connection and Wellbeing
Origin & Significance
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival with a history of over 2,000 years, observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Closely associated with the legacy of the poet Qu Yuan, the festival reflects values of integrity, perseverance, and collective responsibility.
Traditionally, the festival also marked seasonal change and emphasized community care, health, and protection. Today, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to be celebrated worldwide as a living tradition that connects generations and strengthens community bonds.
Festival Customs
Eating Zongzi
Zongzi are traditional sticky rice dumplings shared during Dragon Boat Festival. More than food, they represent family connection, remembrance, and the passing down of cultural traditions.
Dragon Boat Racing
Teams paddle in long, narrow boats shaped like dragons to the beat of drums. It symbolizes the attempt to rescue Qu Yuan.
Hanging Herbs
Families hang branches of mugwort and calamus on their doors. It is a seasonal tradition associated with health and protection, which reflects cultural wisdom around wellbeing, balance, and community care.
Highlights from Previous Years
Event Registration
Please sign up to secure your spot for festival.
Volunteer Recruitment
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s Dragon Boat Festival a success!
Whether you are good at event planning, photography, or just love helping out, we welcome you.
* Please look out for our confirmation email after signing up.