The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend, June 27-28, along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, with an extended 13-day festival running from June 19 to July 1. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), also marks the 35th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), which earlier this year announced the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.
Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only runs over a longer period but also features a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, showcasing Hong Kong's position as the Events Capital of Asia. More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete, including special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.
Visitors can enjoy thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances, and intangible cultural heritage performances like Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, and traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.
The IDBF has formally incorporated International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026, a significant step in its long-term global strategy. “Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF. The IDBF has applied for funding under the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations, introduced by the HKSAR Government's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to support sports associations establishing headquarters in the city.
The Dragon Boat Festival, dating back over two thousand years, commemorates the poet Qu Yuan. Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the festival features dragon boat competitions across Hong Kong and the consumption of zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. The anniversary highlights Hong Kong's role as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing and its strengths as a global hub city.
