Traffic in Victoria’s Inner Harbour is about to get busy this weekend, as contestants in the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival try to row, row, row to victory.
The fun begins Friday with free live bands all afternoon and the Lights of Courage Ceremony at 8:30 p.m. The rest of the weekend will see teams race through Victoria’s Inner Harbour, culminating in the finals on Sunday.
JOIN US TOMORROW @ Ship Point for the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival!
— Victoria Dragon Boat Festival (@VictoriaDragon) August 9, 2018
2-9pm on Friday: Traditional eye-dotting ceremony and live music
8am-9pm on Saturday/Sunday: Live races, cultural acts, music and more!
The site is open to all ages, so bring your family!#VDBF2018 pic.twitter.com/DPxJRp4A4J
Dragon boat races are said to have started in commemoration of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet who died because of a river dragon.
According to the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club Society (FGPCS), the act of racing to search for his body in boats gradually became the cultural tradition of dragon boat races. The races are now held on the anniversary of the poet’s death each year.
The Fairway Gorge Paddling Club Society says they’ve made some changes to the course this year that will be sure to surprise contestant and spectator alike—but you’ll have to wait and see what those are.
A full race schedule is available online.
Visitors and spectators can enjoy the Paddler’s Village and other festival activities at Ship Point.
If you can’t make it out, you’re in luck: starting at 3:30 p.m., Victoria Buzz will be live-streaming races 66, 67, 68, and the Guts and Glory race (time permitting). Stay tuned for a link.
2018 Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Ship Point, Victoria Inner Harbour
When: Friday, August 10 at 1 p.m. to Sunday, August 12 at 8 p.m.
Admission: Free!
