Annual Dragon Boat Festival gets underway in Vancouver this weekend

Vancouver, BCCulture

QUICK SUMMARY

The Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver, Canada's largest event of its kind, begins this weekend with over 200 teams from nine countries. Organizers anticipate a repeat of last year’s $16 million economic boost, drawing more than 200,000 attendees.

Vancouver's Dragon Boat Festival, the largest of its kind in Canada, begins this weekend with participation from over 200 teams representing nine countries. Organizers predict it will match last year's $16 million economic impact, benefiting local hotels and restaurants. Dominic Lai, senior director at Dragon Boat BC, emphasized the festival's role in supporting local vendors and suppliers. The event is relocating to Concord Pacific Place to enhance accessibility and provide more space for activities. Attendees can explore various cultural pavilions, including those focused on Chinatown, Pride, and Indigenous communities. This year's festival is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors. Dragon boating originated on False Creek in 1986 due to Expo, making this event a significant part of Vancouver's cultural landscape. The festival runs until June 22.

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Economic ImpactCultural Diversity

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