VALLETTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Duanwu Cup dragon boat friendship race in Malta was held Saturday in the historic eastern Maltese city of Birgu to mark the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival.
Also known as the Duanwu Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it falls on May 31.
The event was jointly organized by the China Cultural Centre in Malta, the Birgu Regatta Club, the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Community Association in Malta.
Dubbed the Duanwu Cup, the event brought together dragon boat enthusiasts from both China and Malta to compete on the sparkling waters off the coast of Birgu. The race also attracted a lively crowd. As the rhythmic beats of a Chinese drum echoed along the waterfront, rowers paddled in unison, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators lining the shore.
"We sincerely hope this becomes a yearly event, because it's important to be exposed to different cultures," said Audrey Randich, assistant secretary of the Birgu Regatta Club. She expressed hope that more boats would join future editions, adding, "It's always good to bring cultures together."
Ian Mizzi, president of the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, described the event as both "exciting and meaningful." He had heard about dragon boat races before, but witnessing the spirit behind the tradition in person was truly special, he said.
Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Centre in Malta, emphasized the broader significance of the event. "This race is not only a sporting exchange between dragon boat lovers from China and Malta, but also a new platform for cultural interaction," she said, adding, "It opens up further opportunities for cooperation in culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges."
