Experience the Excitement of Dragon Boat Day with These Key Activities

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of Singapore's most celebrated events, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Held each year, it draws thousands of visitors from near and far. The festival highlights thrilling dragon boat races alongside a variety of cultural performances, delicious traditional foods, and vibrant craft markets. The races, which take place at locations such as the Singapore River, are the main attraction, featuring teams from diverse backgrounds competing in lively and colorful displays.

In addition to the races, the Dragon Boat Festival provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultural richness. Attendees can savor traditional dishes, enjoy dance and music performances, and shop for unique handmade crafts. This event serves as a fantastic platform to showcase and promote Singapore’s culture and traditions to a global audience. With its lively atmosphere and array of activities, the Dragon Boat Festival is a thrilling celebration for anyone eager to explore Singapore's diverse culture and community. Curious about what activities await you during the Dragon Boat Festival? Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Dragon Boat Festival 2024 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Dragon Boat Festival 2024 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

This event features a range of exciting workshops, including candle making, crafting rice dumplings, assembling DIY dragon boats, creating kueh, and making mocktails. You can also enjoy free public lectures, listen to engaging stories, visit craft stations, and participate in various mini-games.

Be sure to catch live performances, which will include a Chinese orchestra, drumming, lion and dragon dances, and mini dragon boat races. The festival will also have food stalls where you can savor delicious traditional dishes. Join us on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 – 9, 2024, from 10 AM to 6 PM at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874.

Chinatown Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is also celebrated right in the heart of Chinatown, Singapore! Smith Street will come alive with thrilling dragon boat races, captivating cultural performances, and a wide array of festivities.

Participate in exciting workshops, including rice dumpling and Tang Yuan rice wine making. The festival will take place from Friday to Sunday, June 7 – 9, 2024, from 10 AM to 6 PM in Chinatown, Singapore 059190.

Dragon Boat Race at Bedok Reservoir

Dragon Boat Race at Bedok Reservoir

A highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Race at Bedok Reservoir. This event is Singapore’s oldest dragon boat race, bringing excitement for the entire family with a variety of activities to enjoy.

The race is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 22 – 23, 2024, at PAssion Wave, Bedok Reservoir Park, located at 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Carpark A, Singapore 479311. In addition to the thrilling races, attendees can partake in various activities and performances that enhance the event's vibrancy and enjoyment.

Traditional Foods at the Dragon Boat Festival

Traditional Foods at the Dragon Boat Festival

Rice Dumplings

A must-try dish during the Dragon Boat Festival is Rice Dumplings, also known as zongzi. Typically wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with either savory meat or sweet beans, zongzi is a delightful treat.

While zongzi may have been unfamiliar to some initially, many contemporary restaurants now offer creative variations featuring premium ingredients and healthy vegetable options. This festive season, you can savor a variety of delicious zongzi, alongside unique Dragon Boat-themed menus.

Swensen’s Fun Rice Dumpling Ice Creams

Alongside traditional zongzi, indulge in Swensen’s delightful rice dumpling ice cream. Patrons can select from unique flavors like pulut hitam, pandan coco, and kueh salat, all encased in a chocolate shell and filled with salted egg bonbons.

This ice cream is available at Swensen’s E-Store and restaurants while supplies last.

Sweet Red Bean Dumplings

Savor special red bean-filled glutinous rice dumplings from Din Tai Fung, directly imported from Taiwan, during the Dragon Boat Festival. Crafted with premium glutinous rice and wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves, these sweet treats are ideal for kids.

Gourmet Dumplings

During the Dragon Boat Festival, indulge in a variety of delectable dumplings for all ages at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. You can sample five different dumpling types, including a new flavor featuring XO sauce, crab meat, and other top-quality ingredients.

Address: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865

Rice Dumplings from YÀN

Indulge in the delectable traditional rice dumplings from YÀN, crafted with meticulous care. These dumplings feature a savory blend of seasoned pork, salted egg yolk, Kurobuta pork, and cowpea beans, making them irresistibly tasty.

You can find YÀN at the National Gallery, 1 St Andrew's Rd, #05-02, Singapore 178957.

Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival honors the legacy of Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and minister from the Zhou Dynasty’s Warring States era. A member of the Chu royal family, Qu Yuan was renowned for his literary and political talents, but his life took a tragic turn when he was exiled after being falsely accused of treason, as the emperor chose to ally with the Qin state.

Heartbroken by this betrayal, Qu Yuan chose to end his life by drowning in the Miluo River. In their grief and respect for him, the people attempted to rescue him by racing boats along the river and tossing rice dumplings into the water to keep fish away from his body.

This poignant act gave rise to the traditions of dragon boat racing and rice dumpling preparation, which continue to be celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival each year. This event pays tribute to Qu Yuan’s courage and commitment, embodying values of loyalty, integrity, and patriotism.

The Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore is an unmissable event for anyone eager to immerse themselves in rich Chinese culture and traditions. Featuring exhilarating dragon boat races alongside interactive arts and culinary workshops, this festival promises a lively and dynamic experience. The inclusion of traditional treats like rice dumplings adds to the festivities, enhanced by modern twists that make them even more enjoyable.

Flights to Singapore

Every facet of this celebration imparts knowledge about the history and values ingrained in Chinese culture. Attending the various events and savoring the delicious offerings not only brings joy but also deepens our understanding of this invaluable cultural heritage.

To ensure your trip is as smooth as possible, book your travel and accommodations through Mytour. With Mytour, you can discover the best deals on flights, nearby hotels, and popular tourist attractions. Additionally, you can read reviews and gather travel tips to enhance your experience. Start planning your adventure today with Mytour for a memorable, hassle-free journey!