The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, duān wǔ jié) is among the most important of China’s traditional celebrations. It occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar each year, which generally puts it in June by the Gregorian calendar. But considering it is such a colorful and traditional festival, is it a public holiday in China? The answer is yes!
And perceived as an official public holiday
Since 2008, China has formally declared the Dragon Boat Festival as a national public holiday. As a result, government offices, schools and many businesses close for the day so that people can celebrate the occasion. But like most public holidays in China, there is a special system of “holiday adjustments,” where working schedules might be altered before or after the holiday in exchange for additional days off.
The Festival Significance in Culture and History
The Dragon Boat Festival is over 2,000 years old and is a festival with a rich historical background in China. The festival celebrates Qu Yuan (屈原), a famous poet and statesman from the Warring States period. As the story goes, Qu Yuan committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River as a protest against corruption and the fall of his kingdom.
Locals who adored him rushed out in boats to rescue him, and threw rice in the river to stop fish from eating his corpse. This tradition over the centuries developed into the exciting dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) we know today.
How People Celebrate
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with various customs and traditions:
- Dragon Boat Races: Teams race in elaborately decorated dragon-shaped boats to the rhythmic beating of drums. Compteben, this event not only is fun to watch, but builds camaraderie within the community.
- Eating Zongzi: Filled with sweet or savory ingredients, these dumplings of glutinous rice are a festival staple, consumed by families across China.
- Hanging Mugwort and Calamus: These pungent herbs are thought to keep evil spirits and insects at bay in the summer months.
- Perfume pouches: Children wear small embroidered pouches that are filled with fragrant herbs, thought to bring good luck and protection.
Public Holiday Impacts
As an official public holiday, the Dragon Boat Festival leads to a wave of domestic tourism, as people seize the days off to travel. There is an influx of visitors to popular tourist destinations, and transportation networks are put under a higher demand. Many cities also offer cultural performances and activities, which adds to the festivity.
The Dragon Boat Festival is much more than a public holiday—it’s a period of cultural appreciation, family gatherings and nationwide celebrations. Since its official designation as a public holiday in 2008, the festival has been of increasing prominence over the years, maintaining centuries-old traditions while continuing to unite people in celebration.
If you’re in China or overseas, taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival is a wonderful event to become acquainted with Chinese culture and history. Have you ever witnessed a dragon boat race or eaten zongzi? Tell us down in the comments!
