Pearl River Delta (Dragon Boat Races)

Dragon Boat Races are celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, a tradition dating back 2,500 years to the Pearl River Delta. This region is where many of the original Chinese sojourners originated before embarking on their search for gold in 1850. Although dragon boat racing was banned during the Cultural Revolution, it regained popularity in Hong Kong in the 1970s and became an international sport by 1976. Today, dragon boat races take place in cities worldwide, from Boston to Sydney.

Originally, the boats were made of teak, but now they are constructed from carbon fiber and fiberglass. Each boat carries a crew of 22: 20 paddlers, 1 steerer at the tail, and 1 drummer. The drummer, considered the heart of the dragon, sets the beat, rhythm, and pace for the rowers.