Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival celebrates 35th anniversary this weekend
CTV
The annual Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival hit the water this weekend, marking a special milestone of 35 years since the event launched in Vancouver.
The annual Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival hit the water this weekend, marking a special milestone of 35 years since the event launched in Vancouver.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event in False Creek, which includes countless dragon boat races, music and food.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim took part in the festival as well, including the cake cutting ceremony.
"The fact that this was put on 35 years ago … to see it grow and grow and grow and bring cultures together, it's great,” he said.
"When you look around in the crowd, you see everybody from every walk of life really enjoying each other. This is diversity at its finest,” said Peter Udzenija of Concord Pacific.
For many in the Chinese community, dragon boat racing is more than just a sport.
Aydin Quach, the cultures program coordinator for Dragon Boat BC told CTV News that it’s also about resilience, empowerment and bringing people together.