5 Reasons to Get Excited About the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

Image: Cameron

Prepare to be dazzled in downtown Victoria from August 10 to 12, as a myriad of beautifully-emblazoned dragon boats will gather in the Inner Harbour to compete in the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival.
 
As one of Victoria’s premier summer events – and the only dragon boat festival in the whole of Canada to take place in a working harbour—you can expect an eclectic mix of racing, live music, special cultural acts and charity fund-raisers. Here are five reasons we’re excited…
 
1. The Intriguing History
Dragon boat racing has a fascinating history. Its origins date back to an attempt to save the poet, Qu Yuan, from drowning. Dragon boat racing is held on the anniversary of the poet’s death every year.
 
2. The Stunning Setting
This has to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world to race dragon boats. All of the action takes place right in the heart of the stunning Inner Harbour, from Lauren Point to the Empress Hotel. It’s a visual feast for race-lovers.
 
3. The Cuisine in the Forbidden City Food Court
Sample tastes from around the world in the festival’s impressive Forbidden City Food Court.  Enjoy your lunch or dinner while taking in a performance on the Cultural Stage. You can even see the paddlers go by in the Inner Harbour.
 
4. The Intriguing Eye-Dotting Ceremony
The spirits of the dragon boats sleep in the mountains until they are awoken by Taoist priests during the Eye Dotting Ceremony. The ceremony cleanses the area of competition, blesses the competitors and charges the boats and their crews with the Spirit of the Dragon and the Goddess of the Sea.
 
5. The Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Each year, thousands of people bring lanterns that carry the names of those who have been affected by cancer to the festival to hang on the water’s edge. All proceeds from lantern sales at Fairway Markets, The Bay Centre and Denny’s are donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. The lanterns have tags with touching hand-written messages on them that are filled with hope, humour, grief, love, and inspiration.
 
If you’re heading to Victoria to experience this world-class event, book yourself a break at The Days Inn Victoria Uptown. Offering breathtaking views of the Gorge Waterway by day and the sparkling lights of the BC Legislature Building by night, the hotel is a fantastic base for a break in Victoria.

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