China centre to mark Dragon Boat Festival

Full of vigour and vitality, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated all over China on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar year.

The festival, which will be marked at the China Cultural Centre, in Melita Street in Valletta today at 7 p.m. is one of the three major Chinese holidays. It started as a means of warding off evil spirits, weeding out pestilence and achieving peace during one's lifetime.

The colourful event is underscored by dragon boat races, where competing teams drive their boats with the rowers putting in that extra effort to the rhythm of pounding drums. The event, also called Duanwu Festival dates back 2,000 years with a number of legends tied to its origin.

The China Cultural Centre invites the public to experience this fascinating festival through a talk, a documentary and the tasting of delicious food. To reserve a seat, call the China Cultural Centre at maltaccc@yahoo.com or call 2122 5055.