Chinese Dragon Boat Festival brings colour, friendship to Vittoriosa

The Vittoriosa waterfront provided the perfect setting for the inaugural Chinese Ambassador Cup, China-Malta Dragon Boat Friendship Race, which brought together Chinese and Maltese participants in a celebration of sport, culture and friendship.

Organised by the China Cultural Centre in Malta and co-organised by the Chinese Community Association in Malta and the Birgu Regatta Club, the event was hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malta as part of the celebrations of the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, one of China’s most important cultural festivals. 

With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, the festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The festival commemorates the patriotic Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who, according to tradition, threw himself into a river in despair over the fate of his homeland. Local people rushed out in boats to rescue him, giving rise to the dragon boat races that continue to be celebrated across China and around the world today.

During the event, Maltese regatta boats proudly flaunted dragon heads and raced across Grand Harbour, and Chinese and Maltese rowers competed side by side.

Addressing those present, Zhang Zuo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malta, said: “Dragon boat culture and Malta’s maritime heritage share a natural affinity” and encouraged participants to use “water as a bridge and dragon boats as a bond of friendship”.

Ambassador  Zhang Zuo and John Grech, international secretary of the Labour Party, performing the ritual of the opening of the eyes of the lions.

The ambassador noted that the event represented far more than a sporting competition, describing it as a symbol of openness, cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples. He also praised the enthusiastic participation of both the Chinese community in Malta and local Maltese friends, emphasising that “only by rowing forward together can we achieve common security for all”.

Also addressing the gathering was John Grech, international secretary of the Labour Party, who reflected on the similarities between Chinese and Maltese traditions.

“Despite the distance that separates us, we continue to find traditions that unite us and bring us together,” he said. “Today we have the opportunity to experience one of China’s most meaningful and historic festivals in the Grand Harbour, which has been the home of Maltese boat racing for over four centuries.”

John Grech sounding the horn to start the race.

He added that boat racing teaches valuable lessons about unity, determination and teamwork, expressing the hope that the event would serve as an example of how nations can achieve more by focusing on friendship, peace and shared values.

The races generated great excitement among participants and spectators alike, and teams demonstrated great coordination, stamina and competitive spirit throughout the day. 

At the conclusion of the event, winners and participants were presented with commemorative awards.

Spectators watching the China-Malta Dragon Boat Friendship Race.