Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NYC Celebrates 35 Years of Culture, Sport, and Community Unity

2025-08-10 08:36 Last Updated At：08:48

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York celebrates 35 years of sporting spirit and cultural vibrancy

The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY) marked its 35th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community at Meadow Lake, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park over the weekend (August 9 and 10, New York time).

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Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York celebrates 35 years of sporting spirit and cultural vibrancy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York celebrates 35 years of sporting spirit and cultural vibrancy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launched by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), the festival has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest and most iconic events of its kind in the United States. Today, it stands as a much-anticipated fixture on New York's cultural and sporting calendar, inspiring similar celebrations across the country and showcasing the enduring appeal and rich heritage of dragon boat racing.

At the festival's opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the unique role of the event in fostering tradition, athleticism, and cross-cultural connection.

"The festival celebrates cultural heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of dragon boat racing. It also strengthens the ties between Hong Kong and the East Coast of the United States, fostering deeper cultural exchange and friendship," Ms Ho said.

"With its exhilarating races and vibrant cultural showcases, the festival captures the dynamic energy shared by both Hong Kong and New York."

Ms Ho also expressed her appreciation for the support and participation of organisations, including Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of New York, and alumni associations of various Hong Kong universities.

She added that the New York ETO remains committed to promoting Hong Kong's creativity and cultural vibrancy through arts, films, and community events like the dragon boat festival - furthering its role as a unique East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.

Festivities for this year's HKDBF-NY began on July 30 with a traditional "awakening ceremony" in Central Park. Ms Ho, New York City Parks Commissioner Ms Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and representatives of the festival's major sponsors participated in the symbolic eye-dotting ritual, "awakening" the dragons and bringing good fortune to the racers. On August 8, the festival's organising committee was honoured to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing the festival's significance in the city's cultural and business life.

The two-day event drew over 180 teams from across the United States, competing in thrilling dragon boat races. Beyond the races, attendees enjoyed an array of festivities, including a lively Hong Kong Food Street, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and live music - making the festival a true celebration of tradition and multicultural unity.

Financial Secretary Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Banga Gallery at Prototyping Exhibition Opening

Speech by FS at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of 10th Anniversary of Indra and Harry Banga Gallery

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery today (January 28):

Michael (Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Michael Ngai), Professor Lee (Provost and Deputy President of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Lee Chun-sing), Dr and Mrs Banga (Founding Patrons of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Dr Harry Banga and Mrs Indra Banga), Alvin (Director of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Professor Alvin Yip), curators and exhibiting professors, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening of the "Prototyping: " Exhibition and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery. Please allow me to extend my warm congratulations to the City University of Hong Kong on this remarkable occasion.

I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition just now. It vividly illustrates how technologies developed in Hong Kong can be translated into real-world applications, and how artists and scientists can co-create works that engage a broader audience. This spirit of enterprise and collaboration is precisely what Hong Kong needs to strengthen both our arts and innovation ecosystems, and to nurture the next generation of versatile talent.

Over the past decade, the Banga Gallery has become a flagship venue of the City University and a pioneer in cross-disciplinary exhibitions. It plays a vital role in promoting cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among diverse cultures and civilisations. As a platform for innovative experimentation, the Gallery serves as a living laboratory where new ideas are explored, refined, and shared. Its exhibitions have inspired practitioners across the region and contributed to the ongoing development of Hong Kong's cultural institutions and ecosystem.

As our community looks to new pathways to generate economic value, the Gallery's experience serves as a good point of reference. Consumers nowadays increasingly seek novel, personalised experiences, placing greater emphasis on emotional connection and meaning. The intersection of art and technology offers valuable insights into how innovative products and services can be developed, ones that resonate with the public and create new markets.

That is why the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to advancing the development of arts, culture, and the creative industries. We see this not only as a means to cultivate new economic drivers, but also as a powerful way to enhance Hong Kong's global appeal, enrich the cultural life of our community, and reinforce our unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

On innovation and technology (I&T), our ambition is equally clear: we are fully committed to promoting I&T, injecting fresh momentum into our economy, and creating high-quality career opportunities for our people. Talent is the cornerstone of this endeavour. We must continue to promote science and technology across society, and ignite a passion for innovation and discovery-especially among our young people.

In this regard, the Gallery's work is both meaningful and impactful. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can expand horizons, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation of talent.

In closing, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Gallery, the Banga family, and all patrons for your generous support and the good work done.

I wish the exhibition every success. And as the Year of the Horse is drawing near, taking this opportunity I wish you good health, happiness and blessings in the Year of the Horse. Thank you.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NYC Celebrates 35 Years of Culture, Sport, and Community Unity

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