The Dragon Boat Festival – also known as Duanwu Jie – takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar. In this modern day and age, its observance sees many related events and races taking place close to its date.

The festival originated in southern China, with a fascinating history that traces back to 770 BCE. It was first celebrated to honour the river dragon, a revered creature in Chinese mythology. Eventually, it evolved to commemorate Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and politician of the Chu state in ancient China.

The race element of the festival was introduced to Singapore in 1978. Today, the festival doubles up as the national championship for the Singapore Dragon Boat Association. Members of the public is treated to a highly entertaining and competitive race.


  • Date: 21 – 22 June 2025
  • Venue: PAssion WaVe @ Bedok Reservoir, 911 Bedok Reservoir Road, Reservoir Park Bedok Reservoir Park, Carpark A (Nearest Car Park), Singapore 479311

SINGAPORE DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION

Arman Shah

A former travel writer with fond memories of solo adventures in Southeast Asia, Arman is now founder and editor of The Everyday People. If you ever see him approaching with a camera and voice recorder in hand, please choose kindness and don’t decline his request for an interview.

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