The Macao International Dragon Boat Races are among Macau’s top water sports events.
The festival takes place on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese calendar and was originally established to honour Qu Yuan, a renowned ancient Chinese poet.
Macao International Dragon Boat Races, 2025 Dates, Schedule, Times
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 feature adding 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).
The event will provide residents and visitors with an authentic experience of dragon boat festival celebrations and will continue to establish itself as a unique sports tourism brand in Macao.
Both foreign and local teams are divided into male and female categories as they race to win the prestigious medals. The event’s vibrancy is almost palpable in the air – truly an outdoor sporting event that one must not miss!
It’s breathtaking, to say the least, to watch the Macao International Dragon Boat Races. It occurs at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, a premier outdoor venue founded to host international water sports events and other competitions. Because of this, it’s equipped with several world-class onshore facilities.
Visitors are treated to the dazzling sight of Floating Wonder, a permanent installation that is 30 meters long. It makes the waters light up in bright colours each night, making this a lovely spot for evening walks.
Aside from the thrilling races, spectators can also look forward to many activities. Be sure to come hungry to try zongzi, a traditional Macanese snack filled with delicious pork, salted egg yolk, and beans. Many other East and West festive foods will also be offered.
During this festival, three days of competition fun, outdoor parties, and awarding ceremonies await you.
Don’t miss the Macao International Dragon Boat Races!
