The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY) marked its 35th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community at Meadow Lake, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park over the weekend (August 9 and 10, New York time).
      
     Launched by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), the festival has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest and most iconic events of its kind in the United States. Today, it stands as a much-anticipated fixture on New York's cultural and sporting calendar, inspiring similar celebrations across the country and showcasing the enduring appeal and rich heritage of dragon boat racing.
      
     At the festival's opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the unique role of the event in fostering tradition, athleticism, and cross-cultural connection.
      
     "The festival celebrates cultural heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of dragon boat racing. It also strengthens the ties between Hong Kong and the East Coast of the United States, fostering deeper cultural exchange and friendship," Ms Ho said.
      
     "With its exhilarating races and vibrant cultural showcases, the festival captures the dynamic energy shared by both Hong Kong and New York."
      
     Ms Ho also expressed her appreciation for the support and participation of organisations, including Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of New York, and alumni associations of various Hong Kong universities.
      
     She added that the New York ETO remains committed to promoting Hong Kong's creativity and cultural vibrancy through arts, films, and community events like the dragon boat festival - furthering its role as a unique East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.
      
     Festivities for this year's HKDBF-NY began on July 30 with a traditional "awakening ceremony" in Central Park. Ms Ho, New York City Parks Commissioner Ms Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and representatives of the festival's major sponsors participated in the symbolic eye-dotting ritual, "awakening" the dragons and bringing good fortune to the racers. On August 8, the festival's organising committee was honoured to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing the festival's significance in the city's cultural and business life.
      
     The two-day event drew over 180 teams from across the United States, competing in thrilling dragon boat races. Beyond the races, attendees enjoyed an array of festivities, including a lively Hong Kong Food Street, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and live music - making the festival a true celebration of tradition and multicultural unity.

Ends/Sunday, August 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 8:36

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