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The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Tuen Ng Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which typically falls in June according to the Gregorian calendar.
The festival has deep roots in Chinese culture with origins dating back over 2,000 years. It commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against political corruption. Legend says that local people raced out in their boats to save him or at least retrieve his body. This act of rushing to his aid is said to be the origin of dragon boat races.
Dragon Boat Racing: The centerpiece of the festival is the dragon boat races. Teams paddle long, ornately decorated boats that are shaped like dragons through the waters. In Macau, these exhilarating races are held on Nam Van Lake and attract teams from around the globe.
Zongzi: People prepare and eat zongzi, which are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. These dumplings often contain a variety of fillings such as meat, beans, or egg yolks.
Protection and Health Rituals: There are also traditional customs for protection and health during this time, such as hanging up icons of Zhong Kui (a guardian figure), wearing perfumed medicine bags, and taking long walks.
On the day of the festival, residents and visitors alike flock to watch the dragon boat competitions. The air buzzes with excitement as drums beat rhythmically to synchronize paddlers' strokes. Spectators enjoy zongzi while cheering on their favorite teams from riverside stands or public areas set up for viewing.
In addition to watching races and eating traditional foods, families may also participate in various cultural activities organized throughout Macau during this period. These can include anything from educational workshops about the festival's history to art exhibitions showcasing related themes.
The Dragon Boat Festival remains a vibrant part of Macau's cultural landscape, reflecting both its rich Chinese heritage and its community spirit centered around competitive sportsmanship and festive celebration.
