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2024 Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrations, Traditions, and More

Overview:

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, Duānwǔ Jié, Double Fifth, or Tuen Ng Jit, is a traditional Chinese holiday observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. In 2024, the festival falls on June 10th.

Celebrations:

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated throughout China and in various Chinese communities worldwide. It involves numerous traditional activities, including:

Dragon Boat Races:

The highlight of the festival is dragon boat races, where teams of paddlers in colorfully decorated dragon boats compete on lively rivers and lakes.

Zongzi Eating:

During the festival, people enjoy eating zongzi, pyramid-shaped rice dumplings wrapped in reed or bamboo leaves, filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, and dates.

Traditional Games:

Other traditional games played during the festival include tug-of-war, swing riding, and catching five-colored ropes.

Culinary Traditions:

In addition to zongzi, several other delicacies are associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, including:

Jiu Liquor:

People often drink jiu, a Chinese rice wine, during the festival, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Plum Drink:

Plum wine or plum juice is also a popular beverage consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival, offering a refreshing and tangy taste.

Travel Tips:

If planning to experience the Dragon Boat Festival in China, consider these travel tips:

Book Accommodation Early:

Accommodation in popular tourist destinations tends to get booked up quickly, so it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.

Avoid Crowds:

Dragon boat races and other festivities can attract large crowds, so consider visiting less crowded areas or attending events during off-peak hours.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations:

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in an eco-friendly manner:

Reusable Zongzi Wrappings:

Encourage the use of reusable cloths or bamboo mats instead of disposable plastic wraps for wrapping zongzi.

Avoid Plastic Utensils:

Bring your own reusable cutlery and plates to minimize plastic waste generated during the festivities.

Support Sustainable Dragon Boats:

Attend events that feature dragon boats made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo and recycled wood.

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