Dragon Eye Dotting Kicks Off Victoria’s Annual Dragonboat Festival

The 18th annual Victoria Dragonboat Festival runs this weekend.

  • Aug. 17, 2012 12:00 p.m.
Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong helped kick off the 18th annual Victoria Dragonboat Festival as she dotted the eye of a dragon boat head during the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony at Ship Point Friday.

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong helped kick off the 18th annual Victoria Dragonboat Festival as she dotted the eye of a dragon boat head during the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony at Ship Point Friday.

Taoist priests conducted a traditional ceremony Friday afternoon that culminated in the dotting of the eyes of moored dragon boats in the Inner Harbour to kick off the 18th annual Victoria Dragonboat Festival. Dotting the eyes is believed to awaken the spirit of the dragon within the boat.

Racing begins Saturday and spectators can enjoy a night market, beer garden, music as well as cultural displays of dances. kung fu and drumming.

The festival is a major fund raiser for the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency.

 

 

 

 

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