Crowds gathered across Hong Kong on Thursday to celebrate the Tuen Ng Festival, with the traditional dragon boat races back at full scale for the first time since before the Covid pandemic.

Over 56 teams signed up for the races in Tai Po alone, bringing about 1,600 participants to the waterfront. The traditional races also took place in venues such as Stanley, Aberdeen, Sha Tin, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun

A veteran competitor in Tai Po said he loves the sport because it brings good team work and energy.

Another newcomer to the sport told RTHK that his team had worked hard over the past two months to get in shape.

"I think we did okay today. We didn't come in last so it is already better than expected given that this is our first time. We persevered until the end," he said.

Many people braved the intense heat to support the races, including one woman who came with her daughter to cheer on her husband, who was participating in the competition.

Another woman said she was excited that her young daughter can experience the races for the first time.

"The dragon boat activities stopped for three years due to the pandemic, so I had to bring her when it returned to experience the atmosphere. I want her to learn about what we do during this traditional Chinese holiday, including watching dragon boat races, and eating rice dumplings," she said.

There's more dragon boat action to come this weekend, with the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races resuming in Victoria Harbour for the first time in four years. The event takes place off the East Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and will feature teams from around the world.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2023-06-23 HKT 09:42