Dragon boat races

The biggest dragon boat races in the southern hemisphere return to Darling Harbour in 2019. More than 3,000 paddlers will churn up the waters as thousands or spectators watch the 12m long dragon boats battle it out.

To ensure a safe weekend of dragon boat racing, Taoist monks will perform the blessing of the waters and a unique eye dotting ceremony: dabbing red paint onto the eyes of each boat’s figurehead, which is said to awaken the dragons.

Following the ceremony and before the races, a lion dance performance will take place.

Make sure you visit the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office stall which will operate during the dragon boat festival, providing information about Hong Kong and souvenirs with Hong Kong characteristics!

Performance times:

Saturday 9 February 2019
Time Performance
8.40 Lion Dance (CYL)
9.00 Eye-Dotting Ceremony (CYL)
9.30 Lion Dance (CYL)
11.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
12.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
13.00 God of Wealth (CYL)
13.30 Lion Dance (Eastern Winners)
15.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
15.30 Lion Dance (Eastern Winners)
16.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)

Sunday 10 February 2019
Time Performance
10.30 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
11.00 Lion Dance (Eastern Winners)
12.30 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
13.00 God of Wealth (CYL)
13.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)
13.30 Lion Dance (Eastern Winners)
14.00 Dragon drumming performance (Datong)