Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - Denver, CO
Posted by: 
Outspoken1
N 39° 45.104 W 105° 02.896
13S E 495865 N 4400203
Colorado's Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Asian community with a two-day festival that includes dragon boat races, food, cultural activities and art. The coordinates are from the main entrance to the festival.
Waymark Code: WMME4V
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 09/07/2014
Views: 2
"Dragon Boat Racing is an ancient Chinese sport that’s catching on across the US, as well as internationally, with competitions and cultural festivals held worldwide.
Dragon boating is over 2,000 years old and is steeped in tradition. In ancient China, Chu Yuan, a poet, warrior, and loyal aid to the Emperor, fell victim to plots and deception, and fell out of favor with the Court.
When the old Emperor died, Chu Yuan was unjustly banished and wandered the countryside writing poems he hoped would be heard and heeded by the new Emperor.
Despondent, he finally threw himself into the Mi Lo River. His devoted followers, learning of his death, beat their paddles on the water and banged drums and gongs to frighten away the fish from Chu Yuan’s body. Athletes all over the world still meet to commemorate Yuan’s sacrifice for honor and justice.
The sport has grown into an international competitive event, with Dragon Boat Races held around the globe from Hong Kong to Sydney, and San Francisco to London.
At the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the sport has grown from 16 teams in our first year to almost 50 this year competing in various divisions.
A tradition since the first Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the “Awakening the Dragon Ceremony” is a beautiful and spiritual ritual during which Buddhist monks chant as special guests carefully “dot the eyes” of the racing boats as well as the 75-foot Dragon which comes to life for a dynamic Dragon Dance.
The ceremony takes place as part of the Opening Ceremony and awakens the spirit of the dragon within the boats and blesses all the athletes who will compete.
It’s a great way to start off the weekend’s athletic competition, and a big draw for spectators each year.
During the pageantry of the Opening Ceremony, the race teams take part in a parade that is similar to the Olympics, only each team is encouraged to show as much spirit as possible, and represent their communities and sponsoring organizations." (from (
visit link) )
I have video of some of the races. When I get them edited, I will upload to You Tube and provide the link.