Don’t miss the thrilling competition as these spectacular 12-metre long boats, flamboyantly decorated to feature the head and tail of the dragon, battle it out in the waters of Cockle Bay.
Dragon boat racing has a rich history of ceremonial tradition, with dragons traditionally believed to be the rulers of rivers, lakes and seas, dominating the clouds, mists and rains from heaven. Each boat is large enough to seat 20 people with a sweep to steer and a drummer pounding loudly above the thrashing oars and cheering spectators.
Join us for the excitement. City of Sydney’s Dragon Boat Races are guaranteed to get your heart racing!
Eye Dotting Ceremony
Saturday 23 February - 9am
The eye-dotting ceremony is essential before the boats can race. Red paint is dabbed on the eyes of each dragon boat’s blind figurehead to awaken the dragon, and there is a ceremonial blessing of the waters.
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