Pearl River Delta (Dragon Boat Races)

Dragon Boat Races are celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It’s a tradition that dates back to 2,500 years ago to the Pearl River Delta. The Pearl River Delta is where many of the original Chinese sojourners came from in their search for gold in 1850. Dragon Boat races were banned during the cultural revolution but brought back to popularity in Hong Kong in the 1970’s and was turned into an international sport in 1976. Dragon Boat races are held in cities across world-wide from Boston to Sydney.

The boats were originally made out to teak but are now made of carbon fiber and fiberglass.  The boats consist of a crew of 22 people, 20 paddlers, 1 steerer at the tail, and the drummer. The drummer is considered the heart of the dragon, and sets the beat, rhythm and pace for the rowers.