The Chinese American Association of Central Florida (CAACF) and CHARGE Dragon Boat Club made the decision to cancel the 2020 Duanwu Dragon Boat Festival on June 27 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The precautions advised by the Florida Department of Health and Prevention to limit possible transmission of the virus.
“Social distancing is difficult in a Dragon Boat, and the safety of our teams and patrons is of primary importance,” the CAACF organizer said.
The Chinese American Association of Central Florida (CAACF) had fulfilled its mission by hosting Duanwu Dragon Boat festival every June during the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar, event featuring workshop attendants a taste of both dragon boat racing and delicious bamboo leaf wrapped sticky rice dumplings called zongzi 粽子. Attendees also learned about the history of behind Duanwu Festival through storytelling and trivia competition.
What Is China’s Dragon Boat Festival?
The Duanwu Festival, also often known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional holiday originating in China, occurring near the summer solstice. The festival now occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar, which is the source of the festival’s alternative name, the Double Fifth Festival.
The dragon boat race custom started in southern China. Dragon Boat Race events are popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Dragon boat racing has become an international event. The sport is popular in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries.
Dragon Boat Festival, also known Duanwu Jie (端午節) falls on the fifth day on fifth lunar month of every year. Main activities during this time include eating zongzi (粽子 or steamed glutinous rice with various fillings wrapped in reed or bamboo leaves), and dragon boat races.
