Dragon Boat Race Festival in Dali

The Haidong Dragon Boat Race originated during the Tang Dynasty in the Nanzhao Kingdom and is based on the legend of the “Burning of Songming Tower.” This event gradually evolved into the dragon boat race as we know it today. Dragon boats are large wooden transport vessels, painted on both sides with colorful dragons. There are typically 100 paddlers, with one person in the center wielding a horse-tail broom, blowing a whistle, and waving tree branches to direct the race. Each boat also has one person beating a drum and another ringing a gong for encouragement, with 3 to 4 people at the helm. Additionally, there is a suona player performing the “Dragon Boat Race Melody.” The dragon boats compete in teams, usually consisting of about 8 boats per village.

The dragon boat race (also known as the “Flower Boat Race” or “Dragon Boat Race” in the Dali area) is one of the beloved sporting activities among the Bai people in Dali. The Bai people, who have lived by the shores of Erhai Lake for generations, primarily engaged in fishing and sand digging, using fishing boats as their main means of production and transportation. As their livelihoods evolved, competition in rowing gradually emerged among villagers and households. It is said that dragon boat racing appeared in the Dali and Erhai Lake area as early as the Nanzhao period. During the Republic of China era, dragon boat competitions in the Dali area were spontaneous, small in scale, and intermittent. After the establishment of the Republic of China, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council placed significant emphasis on the development of ethnic and folk sports activities, and Dali began to treat the development of ethnic sports as an essential undertaking, leading to the gradual rise of dragon boat racing.

Every year, during the Bai ethnic group’s Torch Festival (on the 25th day of the sixth lunar month), dragon boat racing activities take place in Haidong, Dali, using large boats designated for fishing and transportation, measuring over 10 meters in length and 2 to 3 meters in width. The boat’s bow features two dragons contending for treasure, symbolizing the pursuit of brightness and a bright future; the body of the boat is adorned with colorful clouds and waves, representing navigating through winds and waves and smooth sailing; while the stern displays lotus flowers, symbolizing divine protection and safety every year. Colorful flags are hung on the boat, and the mast is adorned with streamers, representing good weather and abundant harvests throughout the year. The entire race boat is decorated in red and green, and the local Bai people refer to it as the “flower boat.”

Before the race begins, a small pine or willow tree is planted in the center of the boat, with an elder supporting the branch with one hand while holding a cow tail with the other, accompanied by someone playing the suona nearby. A large gong is hung at the stern, usually struck by the helmsman. Each boat carries dozens of young paddlers, each wielding long paddles. After a cannon is fired, the race commences, and the paddlers follow the commands of the person holding the cow tail and the sound of the gong, paddling in unison. The race is won by the first boat to reach the finish line. Upon crossing the finish line, celebratory cannon fire is heard, and the elder watching from the command boat toasts the victors. Dragon boat races typically involve hundreds of participants per village, with thousands of spectators cheering from the sidelines.

The Local Activities:

1. Dragon Boat Racing

The centerpiece of the festival is the dragon boat races themselves. Participants compete in large, elaborately decorated boats that often feature traditional motifs, including dragons. Each boat is manned by a crew that works in unison to paddle towards the finish line, guided by a conductor who may use seaweed or a cow-tail broom for coordination.

2. Cultural Performances

In addition to the races, the festival features a variety of cultural performances that showcase Bai traditions. This may include singing, dancing, and other artistic expressions that highlight the community’s rich cultural heritage.

3. Music and Dance

Traditional Bai music and dance performances are integral parts of the festival. Local musicians often play folk instruments, including the suona (a traditional double-reed horn), while dancers perform in colorful costumes. Festival-goers may also be encouraged to join in traditional dances, fostering a sense of community.

4. Feasting and Food

Food plays a crucial role in the festival. Local delicacies are prepared and shared, including zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), which are particularly associated with dragon boat festivals across China. Other traditional Bai dishes may also be served, offering an opportunity for communal dining.

5. Ceremonial Activities

Before the races start, various ceremonial activities take place. This may include rituals to honor ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for a safe and successful race. These ceremonies often involve offerings and prayers to ensure good luck and protection.

6. Decorating the Boats

The dragon boats are beautifully decorated with colorful banners, dragon motifs, and other elaborate designs before the races. Villagers take great pride in the appearance of their boats, which serves as a way to display their craftsmanship and creativity.

7. Community Engagement

The Dragon Boat Race Festival is not just a competitive event; it also serves as a community gathering. Locals come together to cheer on their teams, share stories, and bond over shared cultural experiences. This community spirit is emphasized through various activities that engage different age groups and families.

8. Games and Competitions

In addition to the dragon boat races, there may be other games and competitions held during the festival, including traditional sports and activities that encourage participation from all community members, fostering a festive atmosphere.

9. Fireworks and Celebrations

The festival often concludes with a celebratory atmosphere, including fireworks or other forms of festivities that light up the night sky, marking the end of the day’s events and creating lasting memories for participants and spectators alike.