This morning (24th) was an auspicious day as it was “February 2, Dragon Raising its Head” according to the Agricultural Calendar. As a prelude to the Dragon King Ceremony, the divination blocks were cast at Lungshan Temple in Lukang to set the date for the “2020 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival - Dragon King Ceremony” and the dragon boat launching ceremony on May 30. The International Dragon Boat Championship will also be held over three consecutive days: June 23, June 24 and June 25 (May 5 by the Agricultural Calendar is the Dragon Boat Festival, and the date of the grand final) as part of the 2020 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival. On the day of the Dragon King Ceremony, the Dragon King will be invited out of Lungshan Temple. The Lukang Dragon Boat Festival will open with street parades by community groups, followed by the International Dragon Boat Championship held on Fulu River. The county government, the Dragon Boat Committee of the Changhua County Sports Committee, and town office will ensure all the preparations are in place. Interested residents are encouraged to prepare early for the dragon boat races and take part in the annual Lukang Dragon Boat Festival.
The dragon boat race finals were usually held on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. As the Dragon Boat Festival will be a 4-day long weekend this year, the divination blocks were cast to pick the best days, and it was decided to hold the finals on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. Lukang Dragon Boat Festival is a tradition that goes back more than 40 years. Residents are welcome to take advantage of the long weekend to take part in the festivities. There used to be 11 dragon boats for the Dragon King Ceremony. As even numbers are more auspicious, a new dragon boat was recruited from Data win company in Changbin Industrial Park. A total of 12 dragon boats will therefore welcome the Dragon King this year.
Lukang boasts the only waterway capable in central Taiwan capable of hosting large dragon boat races. The “Dragon King Ceremony” that has been held for more than 40 years will serve as the opening event for the “Lukang Dragon Boat Festival.” To pray for the success of the dragon boat races, the “Dragon King” idol from Lungshan Temple is paraded every year before the races. The “Water Immortal King” from Tianhou Temple is also invited to join the parade and watch over the races at the venue. This particular folk custom is unique in all of Taiwan.
On the day of the “Dragon King Ceremony,” the dragon boats and parade formations will accompany the Dragon King on his circuit. The “Dragon King Ceremony - Blessing and Launch Ritual” will kick off the Lukang Dragon Boat Festival as well.
“Lukang Dragon Boat Festival” is considered one of the top 10 festivals in Taiwan. It is the oldest and largest Dragon Boat festival in the country, and a world-class event promoted internationally by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. A series of exciting events will be held during the festival as well. Dragon boat racing, local folk celebrations, and the Lukang arts festival will all welcome the Dragon Boat Festival. The “International Dragon Boat Championship”, “Traditional Opera Performances” and “Master Luban Banquet” will all demonstrate the heritage and vitality of Lukang Township. Tourists will be able to enjoy the beauty of historic buildings, and sample the delicious market food. Altogether, the celebrations will embody the slogan “The Dragon King Moves, Bringing Prosperity to Changhua; Good Fortune in All Things, The Charms of Lukang!”
County Magistrate Hui-Mei Wang invites everyone in Taiwan to stop by Changhua to “see the dragon boats, enjoy the food, admire the historic buildings, and play with folk customs.”