Chinese ambassador attends Israel’s 4th Dragon Boat Festival

World Today

It’s an ancient Chinese tradition is now taking place in the modern day Middle East. China’s Ambassador to Israel helped kick off the country’s fourth annual dragon boat race.

CCTV’s Stephanie Freid filed this report from the Sea of Galilee.

Highlights:

  • The fourth annual Dragon Boat Festival in Israel had 700 competitors.
  • The ritual rice ceremony was performed by China’s ambassador to Israel, kicking off the boat race.
  • Dragon boat racing is a 2000-year-old Chinese tradition symbolizing patriotism and unity. According to legend, the dragon rids the skies of clouds and commands the wind, mist and rain.
  • Among the 700 competitors, there was a mixed national team made-up of both Chinese and Israeli natives.