Victoria Dragon Boat Festival (August 17-19, 2012)

The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival has been an annual favourite event for paddlers and visitors from all across North America. This year from August 17 to 19, the festival is once again the only Dragon Boat Festival in Canada to take place in a working harbour! If you’ve ever been to this event before, you know it’s a fun, energy filled weekend that brings out great crowds.

Each year, close to 100 dragon boat teams sign up for the event, so there will be plenty of races to keep you busy all weekend. But races are not all that the festival is about. There will also be other events taking place, like the:

“Eye Dotting Ceremony”:

We kick off the Festival with Taoist priests to “awaken the dragon” in the elaborate, colourful Eye Dotting Ceremony. Brushes are dipped in pots of red paint and the eyes of the figurehead of each Dragon Boat are dabbed in ritual to rouse their spirits

Tim Hortons Kid Tent:

Visit the Tim Hortons’ Kids Tent for creative hands-on fun for the whole family

Lights of Courage Lantern Celebration:

A celebration to honour those affected by cancer. Colourful paper lanterns will be available for a donation of $2 to the BC Cancer Foundation. Write a message to the person you wish to honour, the display your lantern among thousands along the Inner Harbour.

There will also be live musical performances all weekend long at the main stage, as well as a beer garden. There is tons going on and there will be something for everyone, from kids to adults. For more information about events and activities taking place, visit the 2012 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival website.

2012 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Inner Harbour
Victoria, BC

Tags: dragon boat festival, free event, inner harbour

Category: Events