Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race｜A Must-Experience Feast of Speed and Passion for the Dragon Boat Festival

Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival by watching the dragon boat race in Aberdeen is the real way to enjoy the holiday! The most anticipated event in the Southern District every year, dozens of dragon boats cut through the waves of Victoria Harbour, with the sound of drums and gongs stirring everyone’s blood to boil. Before dawn, the seaside is already packed with people; grandparents bring folding chairs to save spots, young people wildly film with their phones, and even seagulls circle around the racecourse. The atmosphere is livelier than the rice dumplings! Each dragon boat is painted in bright colors, with dragon heads proudly adorned with red tassels. The paddlers shout in unison as they row, splashing water higher than themselves 💦 The most thrilling moment is the sprint, when the helmsman stands at the bow fiercely beating the drum, and the paddlers in the rear row almost touching the water with their paddles. The crowd’s cheers can drown out the sound of the waves! Nearby, there is also the traditional “Dotting the Dragon’s Eye” ceremony, where elders use a brush to paint cinnabar on the dragon’s eyes. When fireworks light up the sky, the entire bay glows with golden light. The aroma of salty rice dumplings and iced lemon tea drifts from the food stalls along the seawall. An elderly lady wrapping rice dumplings doesn’t forget to look up at the race, her hands moving so fast the dumpling strings fly ✨ After the race, the winning team parades with their banner, and the paddlers toss their coach into the sea. The waves mix with laughter—this is the most authentic and romantic Hong Kong-style Dragon Boat Festival. You must come experience this passion in person next year!