Celebrating festivals together and spending lovely time during vacations is what makes us happy, and the Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most amazing festivals ever you should partake in.

1. A Little about the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is a glamorous traditional festivity that comes around the 5^th day of the 5^th month of the customary Chinese lunar month.

It is a traditional holiday that celebrates the life and death of the highly prominent Chinese intellectual Qu Yuan (Chu Yuan). The Dragon Boat Festival originated in China and is even celebrated worldwide.

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festivals (one of the 4 greatest traditional festivals in China), is celebrated in Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the USA, Vietnam, Korea, and even Singapore.

It is a day to fend off evil spirits, ill diseases, harmful pests, and noxious animals.

A day of positive mood and enlightenment of spirits, the Duanwu Festival is a must-visit cultural captivity and enjoyment festival.

2. The Popularity of the Dragon Boat Festival in America

In America, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated; the Duanwu Festival was first organized in Boston, Massachusetts.

Many cities in America celebrate Dragon Boat festivals, participate in annual Dragon Boat races, and celebrate joyfully.

The Dragon Boat Festival in America touches on three aspects of the culture. Firstly, I relish the traditional delicacies such as thin pancakes and Zongzi.

Secondly, taking part in the ultimate Dragon Boat races. And lastly, enjoying the delightful Chinese alcoholic wine.

The dragon boat festivals are quite iconic in America. It is celebrated in June. Among all the events of the Dragon Boat Festival, the racing aspect is the most iconic.

Dragon boat racing brings people together and brings alive the sporting team spirit. Mainly in Dragon boat races, America has around 400 professional sports dragon boat teams.

It has highly captivated the American sports spirit. Seeing such high demand and the growing popularity of the Dragon Boat Festival, the United States Dragon Boat Federation was set up in 1991.

Traditional Food savored during the Duanwu Festival, like Zongzi, is succulent and lovely. This Festival in America is a huge social event that attracts thousands of locals and tourists.

In America, Dragon Boat Racing is an enormous deal. Sports Athletes from around the country come to showcase their talents.

This show of great athleticism engulfs a massive spirit of sportsmanship; it makes the Duanwu Festival more lively and energetic.

The showcase of young, raw, talented athletes is what makes the dragon boat festival even more superior; it is celebrated well and loved around the World. 

3. Dragon Boat Delightful Delicacies

The most iconic and lovely delicacies of this traditional festival are:

3.1. Zongzi

A kind of sticky rice dumpling with an assortment of fillings, the most famous dish of the festival.

3.2. Ricefield Eel

Being tender and nutritive, it is important as Zongzi at the festival. Usually stewed with Mushrooms, soups can taste tender and sweet.

3.3. Dagao

Sort of a cake made of boiled sticky rice.

3.4. Tea Eggs

Boiling eggs with tea is an age-old tradition. It is known that hanging these around children’s necks can remove misfortune and negative emotions.

3.5. Garlic Eggs

Believed that it eliminates poisonous insects around.

3.6. Jiandui

Made of sticky rice flour and sesame on the surface, it is a traditional delight.

3.7. Pancake

People love to eat traditional tasty pancakes during the Dragon Boat festival

3.8. Realgar Wine

Believed to dispose of negative emotions.

4. Best Dragon Boat Festivals across the USA

One of the most iconic Eastern traditional festivals in the USA, this festival is surely a delight.

Wondering where to catch up with the Dragon Boat Festivals across the USA. This article will mention all the eye-catching hotspots where Dragon Boat festivals are celebrated. 

4.1. Queens, New York

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Dragon Boat Festival is one of the mightiest and greatest festivals in the United States.

Visiting will be hands-on, the nearest experience of the East. Grab the opportunity this year on the 6th and 7th of August. They provide delightful traditional Chinese delicacies and performances.

Established in 1990, they host one of the largest races with over 120 dragon boat teams.

Fiery summer heat can be cooled by visiting this infamous festival. It surely should be on your checklist while visiting Queens, New York.

4.2. San Diego, California

This year, catch the international San Diego Dragon Boat Festival on October 16th and 17th. Watching live action in the cozy, serene autumn weather is the perfect match for a vacation.

The ideal place to visit for experiencing the bright and vibrant festival. The association offers an option to volunteer if you want to help with the events or need a team to participate.

Do visit San Diego during the crisp autumn to enjoy the exciting and solemn festival.

4.3. Portland, Oregon

Sanctioned under the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, it is one of the most iconic in the States. This year, the scheduled dates of the annual cultural event are from 31^st May to 13^th June.

There are huge fireworks, parades, and vivid cultural events. They even arrange waterfront carnivals and live concerts.

Taiwan-style boats stand out and create a mark. If good food and good vibes are your things, it is a must-visit.

You will surely have an enjoyable festive time during the scorching heat of summer for sure. An additional perk of visiting is spectating great sports enthusiasm on an international level.

Wanting to have a true cultural experience is something we love. Do visit the highly energetic festival in May.

4.4. Boston, Massachusetts

It is the first and oldest Dragon Boat festival in North America. Initially a small neighborhood affair, it shaped Chinese festivals in America. Currently, it caters to around 20000 participants and visitors.

They have canoe championships, lovely food, and feisty, competitive races. Zongzi, Dagao (boiled sticky rice), and pancakes are delightful and present in all the food stalls.

A lovely, serene atmosphere and lively crowd are something we always love to see during an enchanting festival.

Usually, you can visit this festival in Charles River near Weeks Footbridge. Due to uncertain times, the organization has decided to take this festival virtually for the first time.

4.5. Denver, Colorado

The colorful and rich festival feeling is what the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival prospers in.

Food vendors sell exquisite, impressive Chinese delicacies like rice dumplings and Tea eggs. Arranging perfect events for performers to shine makes the festival energetic and striking.

Do plan to visit Denver this year in September during the fall; you will always cherish the moments you spend with your family at lovely heart-warming festivals.

4.6. Kansas City, Missouri

Famous for lovely, delicious Barbeque and American Jazz, Kansas City is awesome and iconic for the Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival.

Chinese Dragon Festival is so fun and amazing. Zongzi and delightful glutinous rice are so lovely and heart-warming.

A Festival is a gift showing strength and a wonderful bond; the committee specially arranges lovely, culturally powerful performances.

Eye-catching events and great racing events are the best parts of the magnificent festival. Save the date this year!

4.7. San Francisco, California

San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival hosts more than 130 teams. Cultural events, a friendly aura, and great food are what make the festival so great and energetic.

This fall, between September 18 and 19, you can catch the live-action of the great Dragon Boat Festival. The association has planned to arrange it online, and even virtual sessions have been planned.

5. Closing Thoughts

The Dragon Boat Festival is truly a fun and lovely festival to visit; it is celebrated across the world and cherished everywhere. It is called Duanwu Jie in Mandarin and Tuen Ng in Cantonese and is also known as the ‘Dumpling Festival’ and ‘Double Fifth Festival.’

Whether you want to experience a traditional Chinese holiday, drink Chinese alcoholic drinks, try sticky rice dumplings, celebrate the summer solstice with the local community, or see the dragon boating, all your dreams will be fulfilled in the fifth lunar month.

F

USA Tales

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani