The first edition of the Luxembourg International Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the River Moselle in Remich on Sunday 4 June 2023 from 10:00 - 16:30.
Chronicle.lu took the opportunity to talk with Zhang Yong, the President of the Luxembourg Euro-Asie Schengen International Group (Euro-Asie) and the organiser of the event, along with the Chinese Cultural Center in Luxembourg and the Confucius Institute of Luxembourg.
Chronicle.lu: Where did you get the idea of organising a Dragon Boat Festival in Luxembourg?
Zhang Yong: I came to Luxembourg when I was ten years old from China. And at that time no traditional Chinese festivals were taken seriously in Luxembourg except for some shopping promotions in supermarkets during Chinese New Year. So it has always been a dream for me to gather Chinese people in Luxembourg to celebrate our traditions and also make Chinese culture known to the locals. In 2014 we were lucky to became the organiser of the very first Chinese New Year Gala, and we carried on organising this event annually ever since, including various cultural exchange programmes and shows in music and art. During our Chinese New Year Gala 2023 in Mondorf Casino 2000, our efforts were appreciated by the Luxembourgish Minister of Toursim, Lex Delles, and the Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mr. Hua. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and China and [we thought that] now would be an ideal opportunity to manifest and strengthen that rich history of cultural exchange. Dragon Boat festivals have always been one of the most important festival in Chinese tradition. The festival originated from the memorial of a famous Poet Quyuan, and gradually became a time to celebrate family reunion, sportsmanship and traditional food. We have been preparing for a year for the event under the patronage of the Chinese Embassy in Luxembourg and the municipalities of Remich, Schengen and Perl. Thus the First Luxembourg International Dragon Boat festival was born.
Chronicle.lu: From where did you source the Dragon Boats?
Zhang Yong: We contacted the Dragonboat Club Besch in Perl, Germany, that owns dragon boats and also is in charge of the safety, training and guiding of the race.
Chronicle.lu: Are (some of) the nine competing teams from Luxembourg? Who are they representing?
Zhang Yong: Yes there are several teams from Luxembourg; contestants with all nationalities representing: Bank of China in Luxembourg, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Luxembourg, IEE Smart Sensing Solutions, Confucius Institute Luxembourg, Cargolux, Henan Aviation Investment in Luxembourg, LUNEX University, three municipalities have teamed up (Remich & Schengen in Luxembourg, and Perl in Germany), Euro-Asie group team, Agricultural Bank of China in Luxembourg, BIL bank.
Chronicle.lu: Apart from the competitors' boats, what other water craft, etc., do you have to organise for the event? And are many people involved in the organisation on the day itself?
Zhang Yong: Mainly just a safety boat apart from the competitors' boats. This event is a result of collaborated effort - we are greatly supported by the Chinese Embassy in Luxembourg and Mr. Ambassador, Schengen and Perl municipalities. The municipalitz of Remich has been a perfect local host in organisation and coordination in realisation of this event. And our fellow organisers, the Chinese Cultural Center in Luxembourg and co-organiser Confucius Institute of Luxembourg also contributed enormously to make this event come true.
Chronicle.lu: How long is the course?
Zhang Yong: The race is held on the [River] Moselle and is approximately 2 to 3 hundred metres long.
Chronicle.lu: How many people are in each Dragon Boat (it can vary depending on the competition / event)?
Zhang Yong: 18 in total - 16 rowers and 1 drummer are contestants, plus one professional from Dragonboat Club Besch who will keep the Dragon Boat in the right direction. That is the usual set-up for competitions.
Chronicle.lu: Where in Remich will it be organised this Sunday?
Zhang Yong: Around the Fontaine de Bacchus area (15 Esplanade, 5559 Remich).
Chronicle.lu: The event starts at 10:00. Approximately what time does it finish?
Zhang Yong: The Race itself finishes at 16:00. There will be a closing ceremony afterwards.
Chronicle.lu: Will the winner(s) receive a prize(s)?
Zhang Yong: The teams placed first, second and third place will receive special crystal Chinese-styled trophies, and all team members from those teams will receive custom medals as well.
