This morning we went to see the Dragon Boat Races at Cockle Bay Wharf (Darling Harbour). The weather was a little if-y, so the turnout was good, but not at all crowded. Perfect for watching the races with the boys.
Dragon Boat racing is a team padding sport. The sport originated in Southern China over 2,000 years ago when villages would compete against one another. Dragon boats are rigged with decorative chinese dragon heads and tails for competition. The crew is typically 22 people, made up of 20 paddlers who sit in pairs facing the bow of the boat. There is oen drummer or caller at the bow who faces the paddlers and one sweep at the rear of the boat who controls the boat. The drummer is considered the heartbeat of the dragon boat. S/he leads the paddlers throughout the race using the rhythmic drumbeat to indicate the pace (accelerating, slowing etc)
Here are some photos from the event:
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| racers |
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| racers |
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| racers |
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| dragon head |
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| Tucker watching the race |
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| Cooper relaxing and watching |
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Parade floats-- Coop said, "Mom, look those are the years."
He is right-- year of the pig, year of the snake..... |
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Tucker found a piece of popcorn and said, Lion Dance- he thought
the piece of popcorn looked like a lion head. Wow. |
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| Love the flags |
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| more flags |
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This dragon was in the parade the other night.
Glad to see it up close! |
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| Yep, another lion dance! |
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| A silver lion this time. |
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| The God (?) of Good fortune handing out red envelopes |
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