The Tun Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) is an ancient Chinese festival and public holiday in Macau.
Historically speaking, the festival honours the passing of Qu Yuan, a renowned poet and well-loved minister who served during the Zhou Dynasty.
Tun Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival, Macau, 2025 Dates, Races, Location
According to legend, locals attempted to save him by taking their boats out, establishing the dragon boat races. Dragon boat racing is among the first forms of boat racing globally.
Today, the Tun Ng Festival is a highly anticipated international water sports event with deep cultural and historical ties to China. This annual festival attracts thousands of people from all over the globe, with teams competing from as far as Europe and the United States, as well as neighbouring countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong. The races occur at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre early in June.
Organised by the Sports Bureau, SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) and the Dragon Boat Association of Macao, China (DBAMC), and co-organised by the Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau, the 2025 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races will be held from 24, 25 and 31 May at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
This year’s event will add a mixed category to the Macao Standard Dragon Boat Race. Furthermore, the sports and cultural activities and performances, creative product booths, and food stalls to be held during the event will enhance the excitement and diversity of the competition, and contribute to the traditional and lively carnival atmosphere.
The 2025 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races will be held during the Dragon Boat Festival. The first race day will take place on 24 May, featuring the Macao Small Dragon Boat Race Open and Women’s categories (200 m), the Macao Government Departments Small Dragon Boat Race (200 m) and the Macao University Student Small Dragon Boat Race (200 m). The Macao Standard Dragon Boat Race (500 m) Open, Women’s and Mixed categories will be held on 25 May. The Macao International Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race Open and Women’s categories (500 m) and the Macao University Student Invitation Standard Dragon Boat Race (500 m) will be held on the day of Duanwu Festival (31 May).
Limited places are available for registration in this year’s local races, including: Macao Small Dragon Boat Race (60 teams for Open Category, 24 teams for Women’s Category), Macao Government Departments Small Dragon Boat Race (18 teams), Macao University Student Small Dragon Boat Race (12 teams for Open Category) and Macao Standard Dragon Boat Race (36 teams for Open Category, 18 teams for Women’s Category, and 18 teams for Mixed Category).
Spectators and visitors will be able to witness what a traditional Chinese dragon boat looks like. The spirit of healthy competition is alive, and the festival is a unique Macau experience. Aside from thrilling boat races, several booths will be showcasing local products and authentic Macanese cuisine. Be sure to try zongzi, a famous local rice dumpling treat wrapped in reed leaves, as you watch thousands of racers compete for the prestigious title.
The Tun Ng Festival is an exciting sports event for all ages in Macau.
