On 10th (March 2nd of the lunar calender), Changhua County Government and Changhua Municipal held the ceremony for tossing the divination blocks at Lukang Longshan Temple to request divine guide for the execution of “2016 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival activities series – Ritual of the Dragon King”. Hosted by Magistrate Wei Ming-ku, who tossed the divination blocks, he prayed for the divine answer from Guanyin Bodhisattva and Long Wang (Dragon King). It was decreed that May 15 (Sunday) (April 9th of the lunar calender) as the commencing day of the “2016 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival” activities series and the ritual day of the launching of dragon boats. Lukang should be the best place in central Taiwan for holding dragon boat race because its location meets all the requirements for an international dragon boat race. Magistrate Wei would like to invite all the people in Taiwan to visit Lukang and tour around Changhua by that time.
Following the public opinions, Lukang Dragon Boat race had started to be held at Fulu River since last year. It was expected to raise the tourism there. In this year, different from that of last year, the dragon boat race will be held in the evening. What is more special is that the dragon boats will be decorated with colorful lights. At both sides of the river and the banks will also be decorated with colorful lights and rainbow bridges. By doing so, it is hoped that all the industries there can revive their past glories.
On the day of the “Ritual of Dragon King,” there will be a parade formed by dragon boats and folk arrays accompanying the Dragon King to patrol around the neighborhood. In addition, the “Dotting the Dragon’s Eyes and River Blessing Ritual” will be held to announce the commencement of the Dragon Boat Festival activities. During the activities, there will also be “International Dragon Boat Invitation Contest,” “Tour to the Dragon Boat Festival,” and “Folklore Exhibitions.” In addition to the tradition Dragon Boat race, a special “Dragon Boat Competition” is scheduled to be held this year. It is expected to be more exciting and interesting.
Source: Changhua County Government website