Duanwu begins on the fifth day of the fifth Chinese calendar month.
More than one local tradition#
UNESCO describes boat racing, festive food, performance and commemorative practices. It explicitly notes regional differences in the figures commemorated, so the festival should not be reduced to one identical origin story everywhere.
Heritage record#
The Dragon Boat festival entered the Representative List in 2009. Ritual accounts are evidence of beliefs and customs, not proof that a ritual prevents illness.
Before attending a race#
Confirm the actual race location, date, spectator access and organizer’s instructions. A local programme may differ from the traditional calendar day.