Dragon Boat Festival

17 June 2010 - Yesterday was marked by the Dragon Boat Festival, symbolising the watery death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself to protest against political corruption during the Warring States period. Dragon Boat races were held accross the city. Peddlers recalled the tale that Qu had leapt into the river, and rowed out trying to save to him. Drums were beaten, water was splashed, and fish and evil spirits were fed to keep them away from his body. Races were held in Stanley, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Sai Kung and Discovery Bay, and a special event was organized in Tai O on Lantau Island. Many peddlers dressed up to raise attention for a special cause like the WWF, who were supported by a boat full of human Panda's. At Stanley, it was reported that a boat with peddlers from Avatar's planet Pandora was among the participants.