Dragon Boat Festival: A Race Against Time

The most popular story behind the Dragon Boat Festival is the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in a river. The local people, who admired him, raced out in their boats to try and save him. They also threw rice into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body.

Dragon boat racing is the main event of the festival. Teams of rowers paddle their long, narrow boats in a race to the finish line. The boats are decorated with dragon heads and tails, and the sound of the drums and the cheers of the crowd create a festive atmosphere.

Zongzi are another important part of the Dragon Boat Festival. These pyramid-shaped dumplings are made of glutinous rice and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, beans, and nuts. They are wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled.