The Races at the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival

Festival has root in Fertility Rites

AN ANCIENT LEGEND

Dragon Boat racing has its roots in ancient myths and legends. It began more than 2,000 years ago in the valleys of southern China as a fertility rite held during the Summer Solstice to ensure plentiful crops and to avert misfortune. Early dragon boat races were mock battles to awaken the hibernating Heavenly Dragon.

Over the centuries a second story was integrated. The fourth century B.C. was known as the Warring States period. It was a time of treachery and shifting alliances. A patriot and poet named Qu Yuan – much loved by the people – was banished by the King and in despair for the fate of the Kingdom he loved, leapt into a river clutching a heavy rock. The people raced out in their fish boats and tried in vain to save their beloved Qu Yuan. They beat drums and splashed with their oars to keep the fish and water dragons from his body.

Dragon Boat racing today preserves many rituals from its beginnings centuries ago including:

Holding the festival near the summer solstice
Honoring the dragon as a kind beast
Competition – including racing and splashing among rival boats
Using multi-coloured boats decorated with ferocious-looking dragon heads, scaly bodies and elaborate tails
Holding a ritual called “awakening of the dragons” in which Taoist priests perform a ceremony to bless the dragons, cleanse the racecourse and speed the paddlers.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival Now!

2010 Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival – a chance to race with the best!

The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival is famous throughout the paddling world for its high-calibre racing and unparalleled race management. The Festival is known for its fun, highly-charged atmosphere in which there’s a place for everyone. Close to 5000 athletes will compete in 2010.

This year we are delighted to welcome back many of our long-time racers – some have been with us since our inception 21 years ago! We love attracting new teams as well – this year we are pleased to welcome Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club from Houston, Texas and ABby Normal from Miami, Florida, among others.

Dragon Boating is a truly inclusive sport that promotes friendship, cultural understanding, health and sustainability. Almost anyone can take part and just one experience of dragon boating is often the beginning of a life-long commitment to paddling.   Our Festival offers a high-octane, kick-ass competition for veteran teams and a safe, fun and comfortable environment for novice teams.   We extend a warm welcome to join us. This may be your year!


Home The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival Race Race Schedule & Results Participating Teams FAQs Registration for Festivals and Regattas Race Rules & Regulations Download Forms Practice Club/Dragon Zone Learn to Paddle Boat Rentals Corporate Programs Sponsorship Volunteer Special Events Who We Are Media		The Races at the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival Festival has root in Fertility Rites AN ANCIENT LEGEND Dragon Boat racing has its roots in ancient myths and legends. It began more than 2,000 years ago in the valleys of southern China as a fertility rite held during the Summer Solstice to ensure plentiful crops and to avert misfortune. Early dragon boat races were mock battles to awaken the hibernating Heavenly Dragon. Over the centuries a second story was integrated. The fourth century B.C. was known as the Warring States period. It was a time of treachery and shifting alliances. A patriot and poet named Qu Yuan – much loved by the people – was banished by the King and in despair for the fate of the Kingdom he loved, leapt into a river clutching a heavy rock. The people raced out in their fish boats and tried in vain to save their beloved Qu Yuan. They beat drums and splashed with their oars to keep the fish and water dragons from his body. Dragon Boat racing today preserves many rituals from its beginnings centuries ago including: Holding the festival near the summer solstice Honoring the dragon as a kind beast Competition – including racing and splashing among rival boats Using multi-coloured boats decorated with ferocious-looking dragon heads, scaly bodies and elaborate tails Holding a ritual called “awakening of the dragons” in which Taoist priests perform a ceremony to bless the dragons, cleanse the racecourse and speed the paddlers. The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival Now! 2010 Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival – a chance to race with the best! The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival is famous throughout the paddling world for its high-calibre racing and unparalleled race management. The Festival is known for its fun, highly-charged atmosphere in which there’s a place for everyone. Close to 5000 athletes will compete in 2010. This year we are delighted to welcome back many of our long-time racers – some have been with us since our inception 21 years ago! We love attracting new teams as well – this year we are pleased to welcome Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club from Houston, Texas and ABby Normal from Miami, Florida, among others. Dragon Boating is a truly inclusive sport that promotes friendship, cultural understanding, health and sustainability. Almost anyone can take part and just one experience of dragon boating is often the beginning of a life-long commitment to paddling.   Our Festival offers a high-octane, kick-ass competition for veteran teams and a safe, fun and comfortable environment for novice teams.   We extend a warm welcome to join us. This may be your year!		LOG IN > To begin the registration process. Create new account >