A unique blend of sport, culture and celebration
According to legend, in 400BC the Chinese Statesman and revered poet Ch'y Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo river to protest the corrupt regime of the Ch'u Dynasty.
Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him, but were too late. To prevent his body being eaten by fish they beat their paddles furiously on the water and threw rice as a sacrifice to his spirit.
Today we commemorate his death each year by racing at the spectacular Dragon Boat Festivals that happen around the world.
Wellington Festival
During the festival weekend over 80 adult and school teams will race to determine the champions. With social and championship grades many of the teams will walk away with medals, trophies and prizes for their efforts. The atmosphere will be white hot with over 40,000 spectators regularly turning up to cheer on the pumped up competitors.
The Dragon Boat Festival's in Wellington and the Wairarapa are both free events for spectators.
Dragon Boat racing is a dynamic and interesting sport which has survived the rise and fall of many corporate team building activities. As well as being a good fitness program, the Festival puts a big emphasis on adding value to a good time.
