Want to experience something unique in Hong Kong? The annual Dragon Boat Carnival and its adrenaline-inducing races are quite the affair to remember.

Every year in Hong Kong, rowers take to the waters to partake in exhilarating races, which have historically been held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month — the anniversary of the death of famed Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Canada’s Water Vipers Team To Compete in Hong Kong, Birthplace Of Modern Dragon Boat Racing

Image Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Toronto based Water Vipers team will participate the Hong Kong event this year. The mixed team consists of 20 rowers, one drummer & one steerman. The group practices eight months a year indoor and outdoor. Wayne & Andrew, the team managers both said, “With the Water Vipers, everything we do is inspired by our core values: fitness, inclusiveness, growth, development, and passion. Like a compass, these values guide us and help determine what we do and who we are.”

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Read on for a quick cultural guide to the event as well as an intro to the official festival food mascot: the zongzi dumpling.

Did you know?

Here are some fun facts about the Dragon Boat Carnival, according to Cindy Tsui, Vice Honorary Secretary of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and member of the Hong Kong Women’s Dragon Boat Team:

1. Dragon boating as a modern sport began right here in Hong Kong. The first international dragon boat races were held in 1976 in this city. A Japanese team was invited to compete alongside nine local teams — kickstarting modern-day dragon boat competitions around the globe. The event has grown over the years and today the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races are part of the three-day Dragon Boat Carnival, which includes several other fun events at Central Harbourfront and throughout Hong Kong.

Image Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

2. These days, most race-friendly boats are made out of fiberglass instead of wood. However, the design of the traditional wooden boats is usually more intricate. If you’re interested in checking out wooden boats in action, head to the Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships (Stanley Main Beach, 7 June).

3. It’s certainly thrilling to watch teams race towards the finish line, but the start of the race is an equally gripping part of the competition. The first five strokes are the biggest indicator of team spirit: When you see teammates sharing the same rhythm and masterfully synchronising their energies, you know you’re witnessing something magical!

4. Dragon boating has been a long-standing tradition among fishing communities to appease the Gods. To appreciate this ritual up close, head to The Dragon Boat Water Parade of Tai O (Tai O, 7 June).

Image Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

What's in a Dumpling?

Image Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Eating zongzi  — rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves — is a big part of the Dragon Boat Festival too. Legend has it that after the poet Qu Yuan died by jumping into the river, heartbroken villagers threw rice packets into the water to deter hungry fish away from his body.

The rice packets eventually became the zongzi that Hongkongers enjoy during the festival.

Image Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board