Professional dragon boat teams in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, have begun intense training in anticipation of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival competitions. As a cherished tradition, dragon boat races play a pivotal role in this vibrant festival, with participants dedicating their time, energy, and passion to prepare for the formal events.
The origins of these races trace back to ancient times when the renowned poet Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river to protest prevailing political corruption. In an effort to save him, locals raced to the river in their fishing boats, beating drums and splashing oars to ward off dragons and protect Qu Yuan. Today, this historical event has evolved into a ritual aimed at bringing good luck for the harvest season. The Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place on June 10 this year.
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Teams in Foshan train in preparation for the Dragon Boat Festival
cgtn.com
