Each year, the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival breathes new life into an old tradition. This is a great time to hop aboard the ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria; while dragon boat festivals take place around the world, the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is one of the best on the west coast. There is so much going on that it can be hard to know where to start. What follows are suggestions for events that are not to be missed:
The 2009 festival kicks off at 1pm Friday, August 14th, with the Eye Dotting Ceremony at Ship Point, just below the Tourist Information Centre. Taoist priests will “awaken the dragon” in an ancient rite that precedes every dragon boat festival – by dabbing red paint on the eyes of each dragon boat’s “blind” figurehead.
The Paddler’s Air Band Contest takes place Saturday night; it is by far the most hilarious event of the entire Festival. It is here you’ll see teams strut their stuff and enjoy their 10 minutes of fame! With stylistic judging and wacky categories like “Quality of air!” each act generates oodles of YouTube worthy material. If you are a paddler, get your team in the ACT and join us on Saturday evening. (Watch for the Air Band contest entry forms. Don’t delay-as there area limited number of spots!) If you are not a paddler, don’t miss this opportunity to witness the paddlers other talents.
On Saturday August 15 and Sunday August 16th, the Dragon Boat Races will fill Victoria’s Inner Harbour from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 90 different teams from across North America will race down the 500-metre-long racecourse, from Laurel Point to the Royal London Wax Museum. The Finals will start at 1pm Sunday; you definitely won’t want to miss the fastest teams of the festival viing for victory around 4:15pm. One of the best places to view the races is from the bleachers along Ship Point.
At 12:00pm on Sunday, be sure to catch the Silk Road Tea Breast Cancer Survivors’ Cup. Immediately after the race, all the survivors will take part in a Carnation Toss Ceremony. You can support the fight against breast cancer by purchasing a carnation or making a donation at the BC Cancer Foundation tent on Ship Point any time during the festival weekend.
don't miss this festival
Be sure to ride the fast 55 minute Victoria Express ferry to Victoria, BC so you won’t miss this unique event. Our round trip fare is only $25.00 – Make your reservation today! Remember, travel between the United States and Canada now requires a passport or enhanced driver’s license.
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