June is the month when sunny Hong Kong is filled with thunderous cheer as it celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival. Adrenaline-pumping boat races, colorful carnival, and other exhilarating events lure visitors to Victoria Harbour and Central Harbourfront. We, here in the Philippines, have more reasons to join in on the festivities as two of our dragon boat teams are competing in the races.
Cebu-based Philippine Accessibility Disability Services Inc. and Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team are making a comeback in the 9th edition of the festival following their triumphant races last year, winning gold and silver medals, respectively.
PADS and Triton will test their rowing strength against paddlers from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Korea, and the US, among others at the China Construction Bank (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races along Victoria Harbour on June 22-24.
Aside from intense competitions on the water, paddlers will get to dress up in creative and eye-catching outfits for the Best Costume Award in the Fancy Dress Competition.
Tourists are invited to witness other dragon boat races happening on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival in various districts in Hong Kong, including Stanley, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Sai Kung, and Aberdeen.
In addition to the breathtaking battles in the harbour is the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival onshore, also on June 22-24. The three-day carnival, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, will feature exciting activities and attractions, such as food trucks serving local delicacies, beer fest, and a lot of music and entertainment, guaranteeing a variety of great summer fun for visitors.
An artificial sand beach will also be set up at the Central Harbourfront, allowing visitors to indulge in sunbathing right in the heart of the city, with live music performances come night time.
When in Hong Kong at this time of the year, make sure to have a taste of rice dumplings, a must-try traditional delicacy for visitors in the Dragon Boat Festival. Rice dumplings are made using a sophisticated process of boiling bamboo leaves, pre-soaking glutinous rice, slicing and seasoning pork belly, wrapping and string-tying, and steaming.
This local delicacy comes in salty and sweet varieties, and is served in many restaurants in Hong Kong, including Ka Woo, a 70-year-old Shanghainese restaurant located in Nam Shan Estate in Sham Shui Po, well-known for its handmade dumplings.
Take selfies at the dragon boat display designed by the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong at the Central Harbourfront and try dragon boating on dry land using a dragon boat simulator—CCB (Asia) will convert the mileage to donations for ADAHK.
Visit www.discoverhongkong.com to know more about the festivities.