About Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival (端午节), is a traditional Chinese festival with over 2,000 years of history. It is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, typically in June.
The festival has a rich cultural significance, with its origins often attributed to the legend of Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and statesman who lived during the Warring States period. According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River out of despair for his country’s decline. To honor him, locals raced in boats and threw rice dumplings into the river to protect his body from fish, forming the basis for the festival’s traditions.
In China, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with vibrant dragon boat races, where teams paddle in large dragon-shaped boats to the beat of drummers, and crowds cheer from the shores. Eating zongzi (粽子), rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves with various fillings like sweet red bean paste or pork, is also a central part of the celebration. Additionally, traditional practices like hanging wormwood and calamus are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Globally, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained popularity in countries with large Chinese communities. In Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, dragon boat races are major attractions. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, dragon boat festivals are community events, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. These celebrations promote teamwork, cultural heritage, and community spirit, making the Dragon Boat Festival a vibrant and meaningful tradition worldwide.
“Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival is a wonderful way to connect with Asian cultures.”
“Dear Asia is the only place in London to offer our team the perfect cultural experience for celebrating The Dragon boat Festival.”
Book a bespoke workshop
Welcome to our Dragon Boat Festival workshops, where you can experience traditional customs through a mix of tasting and crafting activities.
The workshop features a tasting experience with a variety of zongzi (粽子), the rice dumplings associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. You’ll get to sample both sweet and savory zongzi, with fillings like red bean paste, dates, pork, and mushrooms. Complementing the zongzi, we also offer a selection of traditional Chinese teas, enhancing the festival experience.
Beyond the tasting, we invite you to craft your own perfume patch (香囊), a traditional sachet filled with fragrant herbs and spices. These perfume patches are commonly made during the Dragon Boat Festival to ward off evil spirits and insects. You can choose from various scents, such as lavender, mint, or cloves, and create a personalized keepsake.
Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, providing insights into the Dragon Boat Festival’s history and significance. Join us for a workshop that combines the flavors of zongzi, the soothing aroma of traditional teas, and the creativity of crafting a unique perfume patch. It’s a delightful way to engage with this vibrant festival and learn about its cultural roots.
Our client reviews
Read reviews from our clients to see how our cultural workshops have made a positive impact on workplace cultural diversity.
Our Festive Celebration Events
Keep an eye on our calendar, and you’ll find that we have festival celebrations throughout the year, bringing you a taste of Asian culture and heritage.
October 31
Halloween Japanese Kitsune (Fox) Mask Painting Workshop
December 3
Christmas Japanese Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop
More about Asian Festivals & Cultures
Find out our blog writing offering you insights about asian festivals from history, background to ideas of how to celebrate with your team to promote culture diversity in your company.
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Bespoke cultural workshops for companies
Explore our range of workshops on Asian cultures, perfect for your next team-building event or cultural learning session at work.
Best of Asia Tea Tasting
Our tea tasting workshop is an ideal way to enrich your team’s understanding of Asian tea culture and the associated way of life. In contrast to coffee, tea holds a significant place in Asian culture, with its renowned tea-serving ceremonies and communal tea-drinking practices that foster sharing, communication, mindfulness, and a sense of connection. By booking this unique workshop, you can introduce your team to the Asian lifestyle and encourage them to appreciate different cultures. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote cultural awareness and enhance team bonding through the art of tea.
Best of Asia Zen Crafting
Our Asian Zen crafting workshop is thoughtfully crafted to offer a serene experience that fosters a connection with the rich arts and crafts of Asian heritage. Through engaging in these gentle crafting activities, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for Asian aesthetics while providing a serene space for individuals to find tranquility in the creative process. The workshop covers a range of practices, including Japanese origami, Chinese calligraphy, and Korean embroidery, promoting not only inner peace but also the creation of beautiful, meaningful art, resulting in a profound sense of accomplishment with each creation.
Best of Asia Drink Tasting
Our “Best of Asia” drink tasting workshop presents a delightful opportunity to acquaint your team with a variety of unique drinks and exotic flavors. We’re excited to share with you a carefully curated selection of beverages from various regions of Asia, each boasting its distinct taste profiles and potential mixing options. During this engaging workshop, we not only explore these intriguing flavors but also delve into the rich tapestry of Asian drinking culture. Your team will gain insights into the customs, traditions, and even fun drinking games that are integral to these cultures.
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