More Than a Festival:
The Heart and Heritage of Dragon Boat Season
23 May 2025
Every year, the rhythmic beat of drums and the vibrant streaks of dragon boats slicing through the water signal the arrival of one of Asia’s most colourful and heartfelt traditions—the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival (端午节). Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the festival brings people together to honour history, health, family, and cultural identity.
But beyond the races, rituals, and renowned sticky rice dumplings, the Dragon Boat Festival is also a time of giving and connection—a spirit mirrored by global acts of love, like sending money back home. This is where services like OTT Remit quietly play a role, ensuring that no matter how far family and friends may be, support arrives when it’s needed most.
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Dragon Boat Racing: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul
One of the festival’s most iconic traditions is dragon boat racing. Long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails are paddled in unison by teams, often accompanied by the beat of a drum. The races are exhilarating to watch and deeply symbolic—they represent teamwork, strength, and the community spirit of honouring a shared past.
While originally rooted in southern China, dragon boat festivals are now celebrated in cities around the world—from Vancouver and Toronto to Sydney, London, and Singapore—where diasporas continue the legacy with pride.
Zongzi: The Delicious Centerpiece of Duanwu
No Dragon Boat Festival is complete without zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. These savory or sweet bundles are often filled with ingredients like salted duck egg yolks, pork, mung beans, red bean paste, or even dates and chestnuts.
The act of wrapping and sharing zongzi is a symbol of unity and remembrance. For many, it’s not just food; it’s a love language. Families come together to prepare them, and children learn recipes passed down through generations. Sharing zongzi with friends or sending some home can be just as meaningful as any message.
Global Connections: Duanwu Across Borders
Today, with millions of Chinese living and working overseas, the Dragon Boat Festival serves as a powerful bridge to home. Whether you’re a student in Toronto, a nurse in London, or a small business owner in Manila, the sounds, smells, and rituals of the festival bring comfort, nostalgia, and pride.
In Canada, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal host public races and cultural showcases. The Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, for example, attracts thousands of visitors each year, turning Centre Island into a hub of celebration and community.
Modern Expressions of Support: Sending More Than Just Money
In today’s global world, support travels faster than ever—and it’s not limited to words or packages. A financial gift—a remittance—during the Dragon Boat Festival can symbolize care, celebration, and cultural continuity.
With OTT Remit, sending money home is more than a transaction—it’s a connection. Whether you’re helping with festival preparations, buying ingredients for zongzi, or supporting a parent’s temple offering, every transfer is a story of generosity rooted in heritage.
For this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, OTT Remit is offering an additional 500 bonus points for every money transfer to China made between May 29–31. That’s 1,000 points total when combined with your standard rewards—another way to say “I’m thinking of you” without needing words.
No promo codes. No complications. Just a little extra during a time that means so much.
Beyond Rewards: Why These Acts Matter
While 500 extra points is a sweet deal, the deeper value lies in the intention behind each transfer. For many overseas Chinese and Asian communities, remittances are:
Expressions of love: When words don’t suffice, actions speak louder.
Tools for tradition: Supporting family in buying supplies, gifts, or hosting gatherings.
Acts of care: Covering health needs, bills, or everyday costs during festive periods.
Connections to home: A way to participate in shared traditions even from afar.
OTT Remit was built with this understanding—that remittance is not just a financial transaction; it’s a thread that keeps families close, even across oceans.
A Festival of Heritage and Heart
The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for remembering heroes, embracing heritage, and holding onto what matters most—family, health, and unity. Whether you’re racing on water or sending support across continents, the spirit of Duanwu remains the same.
In a world that’s always moving, it’s comforting to know that some things—like love, tradition, and generosity—never go out of style.
So wherever you may be this May, from Toronto to Tianjin, from Mississauga to Macao…
Happy Dragon Boat Festival! 🐉
May your day be filled with joy, health, and zongzi.
And if you’re sending support, let OTT Remit help you do it with ease and meaning.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of OTT Remit, OTT Financial Inc., and the OTT Group of Companies. This publication is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered as exhaustive or comprehensive in covering all aspects of the discussed topics. It is not intended to replace seeking advice from a specialist or professional.
