The Longtan Duanwu, held in Beijing, is a vibrant and tradition-filled event that takes place during the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival. This holiday, usually celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, is one of the most important festivals in China.
The Duanwu Festival has its origin in various legends that ended up transforming it into a traditional event of the nation, the most popular being the commemoration of the poet and statesman Qu Yuan.
According to legend, this man, a loyal minister during the Warring States period, committed suicide in the Miluo River as a protest against corruption and foreign invasion. The locals, who admired him, threw rice balls into the water to prevent the fish from eating his body. That is why on these dates it is customary to eat zongzi (glutinous rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves) during the festival.
The Longtan Duanwu Cultural Event in Beijing takes place in Longtan Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in the city. It is a multifaceted celebration that includes traditional and modern activities, designed to attract both local residents and tourists.
About the featured activities that are usually part of the event:
One of the main attractions of the festival is the exciting dragon boat races, where teams of rowers compete in boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. These races symbolize the search for Qu Yuan’s body and are an impressive visual and auditory spectacle.
The festival is an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine, especially zongzi, which come in various varieties and flavors. You can also find other traditional dishes and local delicacies.
On the other hand, various exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, such as calligraphy, painting, kite making, and embroidery, are organized during the day of celebration. These activities allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rich Chinese culture.
The event includes a variety of performances, from traditional dance and music to theatrical performances and acrobatic shows. There may also be Chinese opera performances and folk music concerts.
For the little ones and families, games and interactive activities are organized that allow children to learn about the traditions of the festival in a fun and educational way.
Often the event also features markets and fairs where local artisans sell handcrafted products, souvenirs and other traditional items.
The Longtan Duanwu Cultural Event is not only a celebration of Chinese traditions and culture, but also an opportunity to strengthen the community and promote cultural understanding. The active participation of the community and the interest of tourists have turned this event into one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year in Beijing.
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