The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) proudly supported the 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on June 14 (Boston time), marking the official start of the 2026 dragon boat festival season. More than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams competed on the Charles River, celebrating one of Hong Kong's most cherished cultural traditions while fostering friendship and community spirit.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the festival as a celebration of teamwork, perseverance and community - core values that resonate deeply with both Hong Kong and Boston. "Few events capture the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, community and striving for the best quite like dragon boat racing," she said. "Events like today's festival are a wonderful reminder of the enduring ties between Hong Kong and the United States."

     Ms Ho noted that in 2027, the New York ETO will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which also marks three decades of fostering constructive dialogue and strengthening economic, trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the United States.

     In addition, she highlighted the close links between Hong Kong and Boston, noting that several Boston-based companies have established Asian regional hubs in Hong Kong, and that Boston Consulting Group recently recognised Hong Kong as the world's largest cross-border wealth management centre. She encouraged participants to explore Hong Kong's growing innovation and technology ecosystem.

     Beyond the exciting races on the Charles River, the festival grounds buzzed with cultural performances, craft demonstrations and Asian culinary offerings. The New York ETO's promotional booth attracted significant interest from participants and spectators alike, with the festival welcoming more than 40 000 visitors throughout the day.

     Boston marked the first stop of the New York ETO's annual dragon boat festival season. The New York ETO will next support Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festivals in New York and Atlanta later this summer.

Ends/Monday, June 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 13:44

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