Dragon Boat Races

Dragon Boat Races Presented by St George Bank
What better way to celebrate the Year of the Dragon then Chinese New Year Festival Dragon Boat Races?

Dragon boat racing is a cultural phenomenon of China, with a long history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (770BC to 256BC). A symbol of good fortune and a sign of intense power, these mythical beasts appear to surge through the water, as 12-metre long boats decorated to feature the head and tail of the dragon battle it out in the waters of Cockle Bay. Each boat is large enough to seat 20 people with a sweep to steer and a drummer pounding loudly above the thrashing of the oars.

Eye-dotting Ceremony

Did you know a dragon boat must undergo an awakening ceremony before it can compete? This is done by dabbing red paint on the eyes of each dragon boat's "blind" figurehead. Once the eyes are dotted, the dragons come to life and the mythical beasts surge through the water in the highly anticipated, and very exciting Dragon Boat Races. Come along to the eye-dotting ceremony and the blessing of the waters before the first race on Saturday at 9am.