2024 Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Programme

INTERESTING DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CUSTOMS ACROSS CHINA

Hong Kong

On the day, the deity statues are put on sacred sampans towed by the dragon boats of the associations to parade through Tai O and to pacify the wandering water ghosts. Residents of the stilt houses along the water-course burn paper offerings as the dragon boats pass by. The deity statues are then returned to the respective temples after the ritual. During the annual Dragon Boat Festival, the famous Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade is held. Three fishermen associations in Tai O, the tranquil fishing village in west Lantou, organise a religious activity known as a “Deities Parade”.

Sichuan

In Sichuan, groups of four carry a large platform on bamboo poles. The platform has a red carpet and supports a statue of a Taoist deity riding a tiger, symbolizing protection and strength. The sound of gongs and drums accompany these people as they march in the street.