Wondering what's the hype about the Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore? Find out in our handy guide to this annual fun fest promising a good time for the whole family!
Often celebrated with much pomp and gaiety involving delicious rice dumplings and exciting boat races, the Dragon Boat Festival is an annual highlight you and the family should not miss out on! Happening this year on Monday, 10 June, this is an age-old traditional celebration that remains alive in Singapore and China. We fill you in on its origins, fun activities, and the delicious traditional dumpling offerings not to be missed for you and the family.
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Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival
Things to do with family during Dragon Boat Festival
Where to find rice dumplings in Singapore
Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore 2024: Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and minister during the Zhou Dynasty Warring States period in China. He was a cadet member of the Chu royal house. However, he was banished and accused of treason when the emperor decided to ally with the state of Qin.
When Qin captured the Chu capital, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Milou River. This devastated the locals who had come to love Qu Yuan. Legend has it that locals tried to race out in boats to save him or retrieve his body, which led to the dragon boat races. During the rescue attempt, they beat drums and pounded their paddles in the water to scare the fish away from devouring Qu Yuan’s body. Some also threw in rice dumplings, hoping the fish would eat those instead. Each year, the celebration continues; hence, you’ll find the loud dragon boat races and a plethora of rice dumplings to be had during this festive season.
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. While it is a public holiday in China, it is not a public holiday in Singapore. Still, it is a widely observed cultural event with several highlights to look forward to.
Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore 2024: Family-friendly events
1. Dragon Boat Festival 2024 festivities at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Join the Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival 2024 to celebrate Chinese arts and heritage. Participate in workshops like candle making, rice dumplings, DIY dragon boats, kueh making, and mocktail crafting. Enjoy free public talks, storytelling, craft stations, and mini-games. Experience live performances featuring a Chinese orchestra, drums, lion and dragon dances, and mini dragon boat racing. Savour traditional delicacies at food-tasting booths, guided tours, and more.
When: Saturday to Sunday, 8 – 9 June 2024, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
2. Dragon Boat Festival in Chinatown
Don’t miss the Dragon Boat festivities in the heart of Chinatown, Singapore! Smith Street comes alive for thrilling dragon boat races, vibrant cultural performances, and a day packed with festive fun. Check out the fun workshops, such as making rice dumplings and rice wine Tang Yuan.
When: Friday to Sunday, 7 – 9 June 2024, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Chinatown Singapore, Singapore 059190
3. Catch the Dragon Boat Race at Bedok Reservoir
One of the biggest highlights of the Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Race happening at Bedok Reservoir. This is the oldest dragon boat race in Singapore and promises to be fun for the family, with a range of events to look forward to.
When: Saturday to Sunday, 22 – 23 June 2024
Where: PAssion Wave, Bedok Reservoir Park, 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Reservoir Park Bedok Reservoir Park, Carpark A, Nearest Car Park, Singapore 479311
Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore 2024: Where to find rice dumplings and more!
Rice dumplings, or zongzi, are a must-have during the Dragon Boat Festival. Traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with savoury meats or sweet beans, they’re a delightful treat. While they may have been an acquired taste, modern restaurants offer innovative takes, premium ingredients and healthy veggie options. This festive season, indulge in the variety of delicious versions available alongside unique Dragon Boat-themed menus. Here are some of our favourites!
1. Fun “rice dumpling” ice creams from Swensen’s
Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with Swensen’s fun rice dumpling ice creams! Flavours include pulut hitam, pandan coco, and kueh salat, all encased in a chocolate shell with salted egg bonbons. Available in the E-Store and restaurants while stocks last!
2. Sweet red bean dumplings from Din Tai Fung
Enjoy the iconic Din Tai Fung’s exquisite red bean rice dumplings, air-flown from Taiwan, during this Dragon Boat Festival. Made with top-grade glutinous rice and wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves, these sweet treats are perfect for kids. They are available for takeaway from Din Tai Fung outlets until 10 June.
3. Gourmet creations at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant offers gourmet dumplings for all ages. Five rice dumpling varieties and a new umami-packed option with XO conpoy sauce, crab meat, and more are available for dine-in or takeaway until 10 June.
Where: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865
4. Fan-tastic premium offerings at Madame Fan
Relish handcrafted rice dumplings with the finest ingredients. Choose from Chinese sausage and black-eyed peas, abalone and chestnut with salted egg yolk, Hokkien-style five spice, Cantonese-style, and golden sticky rice with purple sweet potato. Available for takeaway and delivery until 10 June.
Where: Madame Fan at The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, The NCO Club, Singapore 189764
5. Fine dumplings selections at Yan Ting, St. Regis
Yan Ting Restaurant serves up delish glutinous rice dumplings this season! There’s a range of options, from abalone and dried scallops to pork belly and salted egg yolk. Try their vegetarian offering, monkey head mushroom with preserved vegetables. Available online until 9 June.
Where: Yan Ting, 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, 247912
6. Exquisite traditional dumplings from YÀN
Experience tradition with YÀN’s meticulously crafted rice dumplings, including the exquisite spiced pork & salted egg yolk and indulgent Kurobuta pork and cowpeas varieties. Available for dine-in and takeaway until 10 June.
Where: YÀN, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #05-02, National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Wishing you and your little ones a fun-filled and delicious festive season this Dragon Boat Festival!
