The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races return to Victoria Harbour this weekend (June 27-28) for a milestone 50th anniversary edition, featuring over 220 teams from 16 countries and regions. The event, co-organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, also marks the 35th anniversary of both the association and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF earlier this year announced the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong, with formal incorporation on April 29, 2026.
The HKTB has extended the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the festival offers an experience found only in Hong Kong, showcasing the city's position as the Events Capital of Asia.
New this year are the 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to traditional dragon boat racing. Along the Avenue of Stars, visitors can see a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the film Minions & Monsters, live music, and intangible cultural heritage performances including Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, and traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.
Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF, stated, "Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started." 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 dates back over 2,000 years, commemorating the poet Qu Yuan. According to legend, villagers raced dragon boats and beat drums to scare away fish from eating his body. Today, dragon boat competitions take place across Hong Kong, each reflecting local neighbourhood characteristics. Traditional treats like zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves—are widely available during the festival.
