Dragon Boats Race on the St. Lawrence: A Feast of Music and Cuisine in Montreal

- Celebrating the 2018 Montreal International Dragon Boat Race & Festival, the National Bank Cup (Community Dragon Boat Friendship Race), and the inaugural "Jade Dragon" Chinese Cultural Festival (part of the *Week-ends du Monde* series)

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Text by: Teng Xinhua, Yu Yan | Photography: Ye Guozhen, Yan Ling, Li Ming

 

On July 7 and 8, 2018, the 2018 Montreal International Dragon Boat Race & Festival—co-hosted by the Montreal Chinese Culture and Arts Foundation and Mission Dragon Boat—took place at the Montreal Olympic Basin, alongside the National Bank Cup (a friendly competition for the Chinese-Canadian community). On July 8, the inaugural "Jade Dragon" Chinese Cultural Festival, organized by the Montreal Chinese Culture and Arts Foundation as part of the *Week-ends du Monde* (Weekends of the World) series, was held at Jean-Drapeau Park. These two distinctive cultural and athletic events concluded on July 10 with an awards ceremony and a celebratory gala for the community, held at a Concordia University theater.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a congratulatory letter, extending his warmest greetings and a hearty welcome to all participants. On behalf of the Government of Canada, he offered his sincere congratulations to all the organizers and volunteers. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and federal Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly also sent enthusiastic messages of support.

In her address, Ms. Huang Xianshu, Chair of the event’s organizing committee, stated that the Montreal Chinese Culture and Arts Foundation was honored to co-host—together with Mission Dragon Boat—what has become one of the most vibrant cultural and sporting events of the Montreal summer. The Dragon Boat Festival serves not only as a competitive arena for athletes but also as a platform to showcase traditional Chinese culture. The spirit of the dragon boat—characterized by unity, synchronized action, and mutual support—lies at the very heart of Chinese dragon boat culture. With its long and storied history, this cultural tradition is sure to add further luster to this city of diverse cultures.

Ms. Bian Zhichun, Acting Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Montreal and Honorary Chair of this year’s event, delivered an address. She noted that dragon boat racing originated in China over two thousand years ago, embodying both the Chinese people’s remembrance of their ancestors and their aspirations for a better life. As more Chinese people have settled abroad, the tradition has transcended national borders, gaining popularity among diverse ethnic communities. It has become a significant activity that enriches local culture and fosters community development, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation inherent among the Chinese diaspora. She affirmed that the Consulate General remains committed to working alongside the community to promote the flourishing of Chinese culture and enhance cultural exchange between China and Canada, pledging to create more platforms for such engagement. She wished all participating teams great success and expressed her hope that the dragon boat race and its accompanying cultural festival would continue to thrive.

Other notable figures also took the stage to offer their remarks, including Matt Smith, President of 22 Dragon; Mme Magda Popeanu, representative of the Mayor of Montreal and Vice-Chair of the City’s Executive Committee; Mme Thi Be Nguyen, Public Relations Manager at National Bank (the event’s title sponsor); and Martin Taillandier, President of BMW Canbec (sponsor of the main stage). They all joined in wishing the 2018 Montreal International Dragon Boat Race and Cultural Festival a resounding success.

Members of the organizing committee, distinguished guests, honorary advisors, sponsors, and leaders of the Chinese community gathered to perform the "dotting of the eyes" ceremony—a symbolic act to bestow blessings upon a dragon-themed kite. Mr. Guo Hongli, a designated representative inheritor of the Weifang dragon-centipede kite—a recognized item of national intangible cultural heritage—then personally launched his creation into the sky. Once its eyes had been dotted, the kite appeared to come alive, soaring high into the heavens and gliding gracefully across the azure sky above the St. Lawrence River. Artists from the Shandong Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, having traveled all the way from China, presented a spectacular array of song and dance performances for the opening ceremony. They were joined by numerous local Chinese-Canadian cultural and artistic groups, who contributed a diverse and vibrant program. With this, the 2018 Montreal International Dragon Boat Race and Festival was officially declared open!

Before the race begins, the waters lie calm between the banks. Then, as music and song fill the evening air, the sudden beat of drums and the flash of oars stir the midstream. At the Olympic Basin, under a brilliant sun and amidst a vast, bustling crowd, the exquisitely crafted Chinese dragon boats stand proud—their heads held high, eyes bright and piercing, whiskers flowing in the breeze, and scales gleaming—all waiting for the signal to set forth. The paddlers, full of vigor and determination, look sharp in their team uniforms. Carrying the high hopes of their friends and families, they enter the competition with a fierce resolve to win. Across the expansive waters, a multitude of dragon boats gather; red flags flutter, oars strike the surface, and the colorful vessels seem to reflect the very sky. Suddenly, the once-placid lake erupts in a spray of water, accompanied by the rhythmic, thunderous beat of drums. In perfect unison, the paddlers drive their oars through the water, racing neck and neck, striving to take the lead—with news of victory arriving one after another! United in the same boat, they command the very waves to part; as the rhythmic chants ring out, the waters yield. A hundred boats vie for the lead, leaving the churning wake behind as they surge toward the finish line! The electric atmosphere is infectious; along the shore, the cheers of the supporters rise and fall, echoing throughout the Olympic Basin. In the stands, the audience—a mix of locals and visitors alike—is swept up in the excitement, waving flags with fervor to cheer on the dragon boat athletes who have gathered here from all corners of the globe! Every race concludes with a display of tenacious fighting spirit, profuse sweat, tears of joy, heartfelt embraces, and proud smiles—perhaps this is the unique charm of dragon boat racing!

This year’s dragon boat competition featured nearly 160 teams from across the United States and Canada. Following a three-year progression—laying the foundation in the first year, reaching a new level in the second, and achieving significant growth by the third—this year’s festival showcased a higher standard and a more sophisticated, professional atmosphere. Twenty teams from Montreal’s Chinese-Canadian community—representing local associations, businesses, and academic circles—participated in the community friendship category, with the Fujian and Hunan clubs each fielding two teams.

The successful execution of all events, carried out in an orderly and well-planned manner, is a testament to the strong support from the Consulate General, the meticulous organization by the Dragon Boat Cultural Festival committee, the active cooperation of the local Chinese-Canadian community, and the tireless efforts of the volunteers. It is also a tribute to the dragon boat athletes themselves, whose unwavering determination, endurance, and total commitment during rigorous training made it all possible. Particularly admirable are the women on the teams; they embody both grace and grit—possessing a delicate charm alongside a resilient, iron-willed strength. Competing alongside their male counterparts and enduring the same grueling training and race intensity, these women are the most magnificent "resilient roses" of the festival. Hard work truly pays off: after two months of "brutal" training, every participant—from seasoned veterans to newcomers—has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as the very best version of themselves.

It is also worth noting that on July 8, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the inaugural "Jade Dragon Chinese Cultural Festival"—part of the 14th edition of Montreal’s *Week-ends du Monde* (International Music, Food, and Cultural Weekend)—was held adjacent to the dragon boat festival grounds. The event was hosted by Parc Jean-Drapeau and organized by the Montreal Chinese Culture and Arts Foundation. This marks the first time the municipal government has provided a platform for the Chinese community in Montreal to showcase their culture. The organizing committee was honored to invite an art delegation from Shandong Province to participate in the International Dragon Boat Festival—which included the inaugural "Jade Dragon" Chinese Cultural Festival—through various cultural exhibitions and performances. Highlights included works by renowned Chinese flower-and-bird painter Qiu Jianzhong; live demonstrations by four inheritors of national-level intangible cultural heritage—Guo Hongli (Weifang traditional kites), Yang Naidong (woodblock New Year prints), Luan Shujuan (folk paper-cutting), and Li Juan (shadow puppetry)—as well as high-caliber artistic performances by the Shandong Opera and Dance Drama Theater.

 

On the evening of July 10, the awards ceremony and cultural performance for the community friendship races of the 2018 Montreal International Dragon Boat Festival were held at a theater at Concordia University. Acting Consul General Bian Zhichun delivered an address, followed by remarks from special guests who congratulated the organizers on the event's resounding success. Ms. Huang Xianshu, chair of this year’s festival, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing committee.

 

Nine participating teams received the "Excellence Award." Niu Jiwen, a member of the Shanghai Zhengrong Dragon Boat Team, was the oldest participant and was honored with the "Best Courage Award"—an accolade he has now received for three consecutive years. At 78, he expressed his intention to compete again next year. Notably, the youngest participants were 12-year-old triplets—Huihui, Yuanyuan, and Yangyang—from the Anshan Dragon Boat Team. They were presented with the "Youth Pioneer Award," and, together with their parents, Ni Shoujun and He Yongjun, they also received the "Unity in the Same Boat Award," as the entire family of five competed on the same boat. Additionally, the "Unity in the Same Boat Award" was presented to the family of Cai Shan, Jin Lingjuan, and Julie Cai (from the Tsinghua MCCAF Dragon Boat Team), as well as the families of Luo Xiaoming, Luo Jiayu, and Alan Luo, and Li Xiaodong, Dai Chunjie, and Li Jiadai (from the Hunan Dragon Boat Team). Liu Junjie and Liu Rongwei were honored with the "Best Volunteer Award." The organizing committee also presented sponsorship awards at various levels to friends from the overseas Chinese business community who provided strong support for the event.

At 7:30 PM, the most exciting moment arrived! The awards ceremony for the "National Bank Cup" Overseas Chinese Dragon Boat Friendship Race was held on the theater stage.

In the Championship Division, the "Smartimi Capital – Fujian Team 2" swept the titles, winning first place in the 500m Open, 500m Mixed, and 1000m Open races. The "Altima Telecom – Hubei Dragon Boat Team" secured second place in all three categories—the 500m Open, 500m Mixed, and 1000m Open. Third-place honors went to the "Horizon Education Group – Hunan Team 1" (500m Open), the "Qingzhi Meng (Green Dream) Dragon Boat Team" (500m Mixed), and the "Horizon Education Group – Hunan Team 1" (1000m Open).

In the Rising Star Division, the "Boda – Shanxi Dragon Boat Team," "Tsinghua MCCAF Dragon Boat Team," and "Guangxi Guo Mei Real Estate Dragon Boat Team" took first, second, and third place, respectively, in the 500m Open. The "Shanghai Zhengrong Dragon Boat Team" and "Tsinghua MCCAF Dragon Boat Team" claimed first and second place in the 500m Mixed race. In the 1000m Open, the "Shanghai Zhengrong Dragon Boat Team," "Boda – Shanxi Dragon Boat Team," and "Beijing Dragon Boat Team" finished in first, second, and third place.

At 8:30 PM, a gala concert—performed by the Shandong Opera and Dance Drama Theater—began. Renowned both in China and abroad, the Shandong Opera and Dance Drama Theater is celebrated for its exceptional talent, cohesive ensemble, and artistic vitality. Since its founding, the theater has produced and performed numerous operas, dance dramas, and a wide array of musical and dance programs. Known for its distinct artistic style and rich regional character, the troupe has earned high praise from audiences both at home and overseas. Invited by the international dragon boat race organizing committee, the theater presented a high-caliber musical feast to the audience in Montreal, conveying the deep affection of the people in the homeland for their compatriots abroad. The dance segments of the concert were truly spectacular, a feast for the eyes. The ensemble piece "Rhythms of Qi and Lu" (Qifeng Luyun) depicted the flourishing landscapes of the Qi and Lu region—the heartland of Shandong—and captured the jubilant spirit of its people as they celebrate their new lives. "Music and Dance of the Confucius Mansion" (Kongfu Yewu), characterized by its solemn, profound, and elegant Eastern aesthetic, paid tribute to Confucius—the great ancient Chinese thinker, philosopher, and educator—while expressing deep reverence for Confucianism, a philosophy that has endured through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on both China and the world. The solo dance "Autumn Reflections" (Qiusi) evoked the mood and essence of autumn; it was, in effect, a lyrical poem expressed through dance. The performer, Cui Chao—remarkably talented despite his youth—delivered a performance so striking in every gesture and movement that it left an unforgettable impression. The ensemble piece "Pretty *Huadan*" (Qiao Huadan) featured a stage full of radiant, youthful beauties. The work centered on the concept of "prettiness"—evident in its choreography, costumes, styling, and performance elements—not to mention the performers themselves, who were, indeed, quite lovely! Additionally, the ensemble piece "Rain of Daughters" (Nü'er Yu) also left a profound impression on the audience.

Shandong boasts a long-standing tradition of folk music, earning it the reputation as a "homeland of folk music." As one of my country’s significant schools of traditional music, it has—since the founding of the People's Republic—made valuable contributions and meaningful strides toward the "nationalization" (indigenization) of Chinese music. At the concert, the award-winning, perennially popular instrumental piece "Blossoms in Splendor" (*Fan Hua Si Jin*)—characterized by its distinct national identity, regional flavor, and contemporary spirit—vibrantly celebrates the Qilu region (Shandong), a land of exceptional people and picturesque landscapes. It stands as a signature work and a representative piece of Shandong folk music. The *dagu* (large drum) duet "The Ox Fights the Tiger" (*Niu Dou Hu*)—what a captivating title!—features a dynamic pairing: the dashing Li Meng and the bright-eyed, spirited Shandong native Yang Ting Ting. Listen to the rhythmic, resonant, and powerful drumbeats that echo across the sky! Meanwhile, *sheng* virtuoso Cheng Lei’s solo, "Hanging Red Lanterns" (*Gua Hong Deng*), vividly captures the joy of the Lunar New Year season, when households hang bright red lanterns to celebrate. The program also featured the *suona* classic "A Single Flower" (*Yi Zhi Hua*) performed by Li Juan, a *pipa* solo of "Ambush from Ten Sides" (*Shi Li Mai Fu*) by Lin Lin, and *erhu* solos—"Praising Shandong" (*Kua Shandong*) and "Horse Racing" (*Sai Ma*)—by Jiang Jing; each performance was a delight to the ears!

 

Renowned soprano Li Yingchun showcased her remarkable versatility. She delivered a stirring rendition of "Great Shandong" (*Da Shandong*)—a piece imbued with a distinctly Chinese style and spirit—passionately celebrating the significant development, rapid progress, and grand aspirations of the Qilu region. She also demonstrated her mastery of the *bel canto* style with the classic Italian song "Funiculì, Funiculà" (*Lan Che*). By seamlessly blending Eastern and Western vocal traditions, she captivated the audience, drawing repeated cheers and thunderous applause!

 

The annual Mengcheng Dragon Boat Festival concluded on a high note, leaving everyone immersed in lingering joy and laughter. A dragon boat, bearing the weight of millennia of history and culture, has journeyed from China to the global stage, adding vibrant color to Canada’s diverse cultural tapestry. It embodies the sweat and laughter of countless individuals, inspiring us to unite, strive forward, and pull together in the same boat! Today, the Montreal Dragon Boat Race, the Dragon Boat Cultural Festival, and the Jade Dragon Chinese Cultural Festival have brought us all together. Looking ahead, the spirit of the dragon boat—filled with strength and passion—along with the enduring, ever-vibrant Chinese civilization, will continue to draw us all closer together, no matter where we are in the world. Let us meet again at next year’s dragon boat race—to share a drink and celebrate our champions!