Dragon Boat Festival drums up a buzz as unsettled weather fails to dampen spirits

Drumming, powerful paddling and the cheers of thousands of competitors and revellers electrified Hong Kong’s shores on Friday as dragon boat races went ahead during the Tuen Ng Festival despite unsettled weather.

Just a day after a black rainstorm warning was issued twice, competitors and spectators were in high spirits.

Beaches and waterfront areas across Stanley, Aberdeen, Sha Tin’s Shing Mun River, Tai Po, Tai O and Sai Kung were packed with crowds.

In Stanley, 185 teams and about 4,000 athletes took part in the competition, with many telling the South China Morning Post they were excited for the races and enjoyed the atmosphere.

“The vibe is really good and we can feel the energy,” said Naomi Watanabe, 25, an English teacher and member of the Hong Kong Japanese Dragon Boat Club.

“It is good [because] we thought the race was going to be cancelled [due to heavy rain on Thursday], but the weather is good [today] and we did pretty well.”