Celebrate tradition on water with the Dragon Boat Festival 2025!
Dragon Boat Festival 2025
WHEN: 31 May 2025
WHERE: Bedok Reservoir and other venues
What’s It All About
– Media from sompo_sg
I’ve been attending Dragon Boat Festivals in Singapore for years, but the story behind it never gets old. It all began with Qu Yan, a loyal minister who drowned himself in protest of the corruption and downfall of his state.
Villagers raced out in boats and tossed rice into the river to honour him. Today’s races and traditional dumpling feasts are a lively tribute to Qu Yan’s ancient act of devotion.
Must-Not-Miss Moments
– Media from vegville_achar
Having been a festival habitue, I recommend these festival highlights, which can be accomplished within a day.
First, I always head to Bedok Reservoir for the high-energy dragon boat races. Teams from all over clash oars in pure adrenaline, and it’s thrilling to witness.
Over at Kallang Water Sports Centre, you can even try paddling yourself! Just check the Singapore Dragon Boat Association for sign-ups.
For the cultural side, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a great stop to dive deeper into the festival’s roots.
And of course, no Duanwu is complete without zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), which you can grab from Tiong Bahru Market, Chinatown Complex, Ho Kee Bak Chang, or participating restaurants.
A Bit of Trivia About Dragon Boat Racing
Each dragon boat team has someone leading at the helm, a drummer to keep the beat, and 20 paddlers, which means teamwork is at the heart of this activity.
Though the sport is almost three millennia old, Singapore’s first dragon boat race was only launched in 1978, with the Singapore Dragon Boat Association being instrumental for the sport’s growth and popularity in the Lion City.
Past Paddles, Resilient Oars
– Media from sdba_sg
Over the years, Singapore’s Dragon Boat Festival has grown from a modest local event into a major regional competition, drawing participants from across Asia.
Teams from China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Brunei, and Cambodia have taken part in the races. As a result, the Bedok Reservoir and Marina Bay races have become annual highlights for thousands of spectators.
In 2020, races were paused due to the pandemic. However, the community kept the spirit alive with virtual celebrations and zongzi giveaways!
When the races returned, they symbolised resilience, with the oars hitting the water like a heartbeat restarting. I hope to catch you at the next one!