The Singapore Dragon Boat Racing Festival is a colourful annual event which is organized by the Singapore Dragon Boat Association usually on the fifth day of the month of June. The festival is a magnificent experience to witness dragon boating teams from all around the world competing to show off their rowing skills. 

The dragon boats, which are 10-12 meters long, have been flamboyantly carved and decorated with dragon heads and tails, and each takes a team of 20-22 paddlers. It is a splendid Singaporean festivity you should not miss. You can cheer along with other spectators while they row energetically against one another to the rhythm of the pounding drumbeats seeking for the final glory. 

It‘s an event that has its roots tracing back to ancient China, and like various ancient Asian games, dragon boat racing also has an astonishing legacy behind it. It has originated with a sorrowful story of the death of a Chinese poet called Qu Yuan who drowned and sacrificed his life in order to protest against political misdemeanors. Since then, as a tribute to this great sacrifice Singaporeans initiated a Dragon Boat Race Festival which is now termed as ‘The World Invitational Dragon Boat Race’. Today, dragon boat racing is celebrated as one of the most significant and joyous festivals in the country recalling this legendary incident.

Support as the elegantly decorated boats splash and battle across the waters, and watch a variety of ancient rites being carried out, including the dumplings consisting of rice and meat wrapped in bamboo leaves and the drenching of the dragon head of the boat before starting every race. Even today you can see the spectators eat dumplings of rice and meat and many await to plunge into the reservoir or merely to take a dip in the water.

Dragon Boat Race Festival is a must watch for all sports lovers, as it is an aggressive sport with lots of thrills, action and vigour. If you are looking for a luxury serviced apartment Singapore to spend your fun filled vacation, an ideal option is Ascott Raffles Place Singapore. It boasts some of the finest Singapore serviced apartments.