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            HomeAll HappeningsFestivalsDragon Boat Festival

            Dragon Boat Festival

            14 June 2025

            Dig into delicious dumplings and enjoy exhilarating Dragon Boat races at this traditional Chinese festival.

            Dragon boats ready for race

            A Guide to The Dragon Boat Festival

            The story of the Dragon Boat Festival has its roots in the Warring States Period (475–221BC). Qu Yuan, an incorruptible minister, was banished from his kingdom by Lord Huai and later drowned himself. In a bid to save his remains, the common folk threw cooked rice and beat their oars in the water.

            The dragon boat races and rice dumplings of the modern day festival are echoes of this touching tale.

            Festival Hotspots

            Looking to learn more about the rich traditions behind this festival, or catch a dragon boat race? Here's all you need to know to get up to speed.

            Bedok Reservoir hosting the Dragon boat race

            Bedok Reservoir

            Catch the thrills and spills of a dragon boat race, as teams from around the world pit teamwork and mettle against each other in fierce competition.

            Kallang River water sports stadium hosting Dragon boat race

            Kallang River

            Try your hand at this thrilling sport by visiting the Kallang Water Sports Stadium. Learn more at the Singapore Dragon Boat Association website.

            Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Singapore

            Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

            This national monument also doubles up as a repository of Chinese culture, where you can learn more about this fascinating festival.

            Paddlers Team in a Dragon Boat Race

            Did You Know?

            A standard team in a dragon boat race comprises 20 paddlers, a helmsman, and a drummer to set the pace. With its sheer size, the race is all about teamwork.​

            ​

            The race was first introduced to Singapore in 1978, with the competition seeing participation from 25 local teams. Its legacy, however, goes way back to as early as 770 BCE.

             Fireworks Across the Marina Bay
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            Fireworks across the Marina Bay

            Explore What's Happening

            Whether it’s the festive celebration of Chinese New Year or the roar of Formula 1 cars, there’s always a party going on somewhere in Singapore. Check out top festivals and events from January to December.

            Find out more
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              • Last Updated 25 Apr 2025