Dragon Boat Races Take Center Stage at Festival Celebrations
This year’s Dragon Boat races in Taipei drew participants from schools, companies and even international representative offices. Along the riverside, crowds gathered to cheer on the competitors, enjoy the festive atmosphere and celebrate an important part of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.
Dragon Boat Festival in Taipei
REPORTER:
Some may choose to spend the holiday relaxing, but for teams racing here today, it’s the culmination of months of training and preparation: Taipei's annual dragon boat races.
REPORTER:
What exactly is the Dragon Boat Festival? It's a traditional holiday held annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, where teams race each other in long paddle-powered boats. But the work starts long before the start of the race.
Dragon Boat Racer:
[I’ve participated] over 10 times.
We prepared for four months, which is pretty short.
We practiced together once a week.
Some of us train by ourselves.
We also run or do strength training.
We all come from different companies so some people can’t come practice because they have to work.
Everyone has to make their own schedules.
REPORTER:
Teams come from all over Taipei. Some represent colleges and high schools, others bring together work colleagues. That includes some of the representative offices based here in Taipei. We caught the Dutch team as they wrapped up their first race of the day.
Dutch Dragon Boat Racer:
For our office this is our third year, but this is my first time including some of my colleagues. Its great to fully experience such an ancient tradition. Its really great to be not just in the audience but inside.
We're so happy we didn't lose!
REPORTER:
It's a day for people of all ages. All along the riverside fans crowd under tents and watch the boats go all out. Some spectators are here supporting friends and family, some live in the neighborhood, and there are others here for the very first time.
Spectator:
I think this activity is great
and I bring my kid.
It’s an important Taiwanese festival.
Will you come back next year?
Yes.
He was just cheering them on!
REPORTER:
Dragon boat races, or similar events, have been part of Taipei since as early as the 19th century, and it’s in no danger of losing its popularity. Despite the heat, plenty of locals and even some tourists stopped by to catch a glimpse of the competitions.
REPORTER:
There are still two more days of races and activities before this year's Dragon Boat festival wraps up. With the summer heat showing no signs of letting up, teams will need every bit of endurance to make it to the finish line.
