U.S. Army photo of rowers in Naha Port aboard dragon-shaped boats for the popular Naha Dragon Boat Races. ()
The Naha Dragon Boat Races are coming back after a three-year hiatus.
Every year, colorful boats shaped like dragons storm Naha port for a race to be the best rower on the island. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the boats are back and ready for races on May 3 through May 5.
This is the 49th installment of this Okinawan tradition. Usually, the races happen during the busy Golden Week holiday season, which takes place from April 29 to May 7 this year.
The three-day event at Naha Port draws around 200,000 people to cheer on the row teams. Some of the row teams are even comprised of U.S. servicemembers. Spectators can enjoy music, fireworks, festival food, other vendors, and more.
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 and early November. So, make sure to check out this fun, traditional Okinawan event!
Naha Dragon Boat Race Date: May 3, 4, 5 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) Time: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (subject to change) Venue: Naha Port (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 organizations such as MCCS, Kadena ITT.
Trivia 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.
