Celebrated by Chinese and other Eastern and Southeast Asian countries, this public holiday and national festival is more authentically known as the Duanwu Festival. Celebrations are held during the fifth month of the lunar calendar each year. The merriment is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, and the excitement includes eating the traditional rice dumplings with a glass of wine while enjoying the thrilling races of the Dragon Boats.

Saddened and stricken with distress by the dishonesty of the government and ill-treatment of its courtiers, a poet named Qu Yuan threw himself in desolation into the river of Mei Lo. Local fishermen strived to save the poet by sailing along the river, thrashing the oars into the water to scare off fish. In memorial of his character, on the anniversary of the poet’s death, the fishermen threw traditional rice dumplings to pacify the spirits of the river and are still thrown during the races.

Dragon boats are traditionally created using teak wood, intricately designed with varied designs and patterns to suit different sizes. Dragon boat racing originated over 2000 years ago in China and has been continuously taking place each year as part of folk ritual. Vibrantly mixed with a palette of colour and intriguing designs these paddled water crafts are an iconic symbol during the season.

Adrenaline rushes at the Bedok Reservoir during the Dragon Boat Races Festival in Singapore as the finest crews race against each other, speeding through the calm waters to the stimulating rhythms of gongs and drums. Celebrate the festivals in Singapore while experiencing the comfort and convenience of accommodation provided by Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore.