(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
It’s time again for the dragons to descend off the coast of Naha in Okinawa!
The 50th Naha Dragon Boat Race will bring colorful boats shaped like mythical creatures rowed by teams competing to be the best May 3-5.
This is one of Okinawa’s premier cultural events and happens during peak Golden Week holiday season. Golden Week is a set of holidays grouped together falling on April 29 to May 5 this year.
The three-day event at Naha Port usually draws around 200,000 people to cheer on the row teams, so expect a crowd again this year.
Local row teams compete and so do teams of U.S. servicemembers.
Though the race is the main event, there will also be live music, festival food, other vendors and more at the venue.
The Naha Dragon Boat Race is considered one of the three major festivals of Naha City along with Naha Tug of War in October and Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in late October or early November. So, make sure to check out this fun traditional Okinawan event!
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Did you know
The Dragon Boat Race, or “Hari” in Okinawa dialect, has a 600-year history and used to be a national event in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1492-1879). After almost a century-long hiatus, it was brought back to life and has grown into an event that represents Okinawa, just like in the old days.
What makes the Naha City race unique is that each boat is big enough to require 32 rowers, two steerers, and two drummers. Normal dragon boats only take 10 rowers and 2 steerers.
Naha Dragon Boat Race
Date: May 3, 4, 5 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Time: TBD
Venue: Naha Port and the New Naha Port Wharf (GPS Coordinates: N 26.230106, E 127.680786)
*Parking will not be available at the venue. It is advised to use coin-operated parking spaces in the neighboring area or use tours offered by on-base organizations.
