Expats delight in Dragon Boat Festival fun

Video by Lin Songtao

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, more than 20 expats gathered at the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) to explore the essence of traditional Chinese culture and craft their own zongzi.

The Dragon Boat Festival ranks among China’s four major traditional festivals, standing alongside the Chinese New Year, the Qingming Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A mentor from the Shekou Community Evergreen Elders University told the expats that the Dragon Boat Festival is associated with many customs, including the consumption of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). After an introduction to the festival’s historical significance, the expats took part in making zongzi.

Raj Oswal, an entrepreneur specializing in educational technology, was happy to attend the event despite his heavy workload. Having participated in the same gathering in 2019, this was Oswal’s second time making zongzi.

Although he joked about his lack of improvement, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “This has given me a good understanding of how the Chinese celebrate these events, what is important for them, and the food and traditions around it,” Oswal said.

Eledir Busanello, from Brazil, has been in Shenzhen for six months, and she is enjoying her life in the city. “I joined a dragon boat race Sunday, and when I knew about the event for making zongzi, I would love to try,” Busanello said. “I crafted three vegetarian zongzis filled with dates and peanuts and acquired a new culinary skill. This experience deepened our understanding of Chinese culture.”

The event was guided by the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology, and Innovation Bureau and jointly organized by the Shekou MSCE and EyeShenzhen.

Participants pose for a photo with the zongzi they made after attending the Dragon Boat Festival celebration at the Shekou MSCE yesterday. Photos by Lin Songtao

Participants capture a moment with the festive food.  

Fazal Rasheed from Pakistan displays his handmade zongzi.

Participants watch a mentor’s zongzi-making instructions.

A completed zongzi. 

Alexandre Fontes Ambrosio Filho from Brazil makes a zongzi with the help of mentors.

Tatiana Lis (L) from Belarus ties her zongzi with a string. 

A mentor from Shekou Community Evergreen Elders University mentor demonstrates zongzi wrapping to Rosie O'Shea from Britain.