Dragon boat festival
Singapore's annual Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival or Tuen Ng Festival, is held in June. The festival honors Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet who drowned himself in a river to protest his king's corruption. Ancient Chinese people fed fish rice dumplings to commemorate his death. Dragon boat races are now the highlight of the festival in Singapore and other countries.
Dragon boat races involve teams paddling a long, decorated dragon-shaped boat. The 40-foot boats have dragon heads at the bow and tails at the stern. The teams have 20-22 people, including a drummer and flag-catcher. In morning heats, teams race. The fastest teams reach the afternoon finals.
The Dragon Boat Festival includes dragon boat racing, eating zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), drinking realgar wine, and hanging mugwort and calamus. These repel insects and are used to ward off evil and disease.
Question | Answer |
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What is the Dragon Boat Festival? | The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated in Singapore, typically in June. It is a commemoration of the death of the ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river. |
When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated in Singapore? | The festival is typically celebrated in June. |
What is the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival? | The festival is a commemoration of the death of the ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river to protest against the corruption of his king. |
What is the highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival? | The highlight of the festival is the dragon boat race, where teams race against each other in long, decorated boats that resemble dragons. |
What are the traditional activities of the Dragon Boat Festival? | traditional activities of the festival include eating zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), drinking realgar wine, and hanging mugwort and calamus. |
Are there any other activities or events held during the Dragon Boat Festival? | It is not specified in the official website if there are any other activities or events held during the Dragon Boat Festival. |
Is there an entrance fee to the Dragon Boat Festival? | It is not specified in the official website if there is an entrance fee to the Dragon Boat Festival. |
Are there any guided tours available during the Dragon Boat Festival? | It is not specified in the official website if there are any guided tours available during the Dragon Boat Festival. |
Is the Dragon Boat Festival wheelchair accessible? | It is not specified in the official website if the Dragon Boat Festival is wheelchair accessible. |
Is there an age limit for visitors to the Dragon Boat Festival? | It is not specified in the official website if there is an age limit for visitors to the Dragon Boat Festival. |