Dragon Boat Festival celebrations around the world

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday that originated in China. The Festival is gaining in popularity in other countries, like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Israel.

Dragon boat racing is one of the main activities of the festival. The boats are shaped like a Chinese dragon, an imaginary animal that symbolizes auspiciousness. 

A team of people works the oars in a bid to be the first team to reach the finish line. One team member sits at the front of the boat beating a drum to keep the rowers in time with one another.

Dragon boat festivals around the world are usually held between late May and mid-June.

This year, the Dragon Boat Festival holiday lasts from June 16-18 in China.