Victoria Express

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

Each year, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese year, Chinese communities all over the world celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. The exact origins of the festival are vague. One theory is that it was to somehow ward off evil on the most evil day of the most evil month of the calendar in ancient Chinese society. At some point during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the festival became a commemoration of Qu Yuan, a wise man who served the Emperor Huai and fought against corruption. The wise Qu Yuan flung himself into the Miluo River upon learning that his country, the Chu State, had been defeated by the Qin State. Legend has it that fisherman took to their boats in an effort to find him, and then threw zongzi (wrapped rice dumplings) and other food into the river so that the fish would not touch his body. According to the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival website, “in the centuries since his suicide, people have commemorated Qu Yuan by recreating the circumstances of his tragic death. They race dragon boats and eat zongzi every year on the anniversary of his death – the fifth day of the fifth month.”

This year, the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival will be August 14 – 16. The festival will start in the Inner Harbor on Friday the 14th with the “awakening of the dragon” ceremony, performed by priests from the Ching Chung Taoist Church. This is an essential part of the festival, for the dragons cannot race unless their spirits are awakened. All people are welcome to watch the priests cleanse and bless the arena and ultimately awaken the spirits of the dragons by painting on red “eyes.”

Races will take place Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Ninety teams from across North America will race 500-metres, from Laurel Point to the Royal London Wax Museum. If you have never seen dragon boat races before, you will be delighted and amazed by the colorful boats and the skill of the paddlers. In addition to the races, a variety of vendors and all sorts of entertainment will be on land, including a Kids Tent. This is definitely an event that is fun for the whole family.

Taking the passenger ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, or the passenger ferry from Friday Harbor to Victoria, is a great way to travel to see the festival. You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the races while on board the Victoria Express.

“Dragon boat races are now held worldwide, and the ideals of Qu Yuan are still honoured – through Taoist ceremonies, the spirit of the paddlers, and the invitation and involvement of the local community. Through the festival’s many activities, people are reminded of the importance of loyalty and commitment to the community.” (Festival website)

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.