Montreal International Dragon Boat Race Festival
The waterways of the Olympic Basin come alive every July as more than 100 teams paddle their way to prestige in the Montreal International Dragon Boat Festival. More than 120 teams, both local and international, compete in this unique event, providing louez une voiture Montreal travelers with an amazing display of athleticism and culture. A staple summer event in Montreal, the Dragon Boat Rave Festival represents the need of men to strive in unison to achieve the higher goals in life and to triumph over adversity. So whether you're a fan of the sport, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, don't miss this year's festival in the Parc Jean Drapeau.
A quick history of the festival
The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The celebration of this festival began some two thousand two hundred years ago, and is held to commemorate the great Chinese poet Qu Yuan. A minister of the Ch'u State, Qu Yan was sent into exile after speaking out against King Huai's lifestyle. During his exile, Yuan wrote the everlasting epic "Li Shao," which means "Sorrows, away from the fatherland." Yuan was eventually welcomed back to his homeland after the death of the king, only to be exiled again. Heartbroken and weary, Yuan jumped into the Miluo River on the fifth of May, ending his life.
The sport of dragon boat racing
Dragon boat racing has been practiced in China for more than two thousand years. It wasn't until the last 25 years that the sport caught on as an international enjoyment, spreading from Asian to Europe, North America, Australia and Africa. Louez une voiture Montreal travelers can now enjoy dragon boat races almost anywhere, especially on the fifth of May. The sport is among the fastest growing water activities and remains the largest team sport, with more than 60 million participants in over 50 countries. Interestingly enough, the largest dragon boat races outside of Asia are in Canada. Louez une voiture Montreal travelers can enjoy races in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
Directions to the raceway
Louez une voiture Montreal can catch all of the dragon boat racing action at the Olympic Basin in the Parc Jean Drapeau. To get to Parc, take the Conaventure autoroute, exiting at Bickerdike. Follow the directions to the Casino, continuing towards the Parking P@ on Ile Notre-Dame. Parking costs $13 for the day.
Visit the vendors on race day
Watching the boats fly across the water is only a part of the fun at the Montreal International Dragon Boat Race Festival. Louez une voiture Montreal travelers are also encouraged to browse Quebec's largest festival exhibitor area. More than 50,000 people visit the Dragon Boat Festival each year, making the event a major marketing opportunity for local restaurants, boutiques and business. Hundreds of exhibitors are on hand during the festival, showcasing their wares in brightly colored tents. Louez une voiture Montreal travelers will be exposed to various crafts, merchandise, and delicious ethnic food during their time at the festival.
Sponsors of the race
The Montreal International Dragon Boat Race Festival is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of public and private sector organization in order to operate. Major sponsors include the province of Quebec, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Canada), One-Apparel, La Presse Chinoise, Fontaine Sante and Multi Plus.
Louez une voiture Montreal travelers can learn more about the Montreal International Dragon Boat Race Festival online at www.montrealdragonboat.com. Travelers can also contact the administration office by phone at 514-866-7001.