🇩🇰🇨🇳 Bridging Cultures to Celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties
In 2025, Denmark and China mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. As one of the most influential Chinese cultural events in the Nordic region, the 8th Copenhagen Dragon Boat Festival adopts the sub-theme “When Dragon Boat Meets Midsummer”, merging traditional Eastern festivities with the natural charm of the Nordic midsummer season to create a vibrant international cultural celebration.
The festival is hosted by the Copenhagen Dragon Boat Festival Committee, proudly titled by UME Asian Supermarket, and co-organized with a variety of institutions and community partners—showcasing a shining example of Sino-Danish people-to-people exchange and multicultural harmony.
[Race Spotlight] The 8th “UME Cup” Dragon Boat Race: Cutting Through the Waves, Igniting the Midsummer Spirit
A total of 38 dragon boat teams will compete fiercely in South Harbour! Amateur paddlers from all walks of life will showcase teamwork and synergy, embodying the true spirit of dragon boating. Meanwhile, professional racers will demonstrate the perfect blend of speed and skill, offering an exhilarating and visually striking athletic performance.
This is more than a race—it’s a tribute to team spirit and friendship. The atmosphere promises to be full of energy and excitement, igniting passion across the entire waterfront.
Race Categories:
- Professional Group: Showcasing elite skills and racing excellence
- Corporate Group: Highlighting brand values and team cohesion
- Amateur Group: Welcoming first-time racers and multicultural teams, with a focus on experience and participation
Each team consists of 17 members (paddlers, drummer, steerer) and will race in the waters of South Harbour. With thunderous drumbeats and flying paddles, the audience will feel the thrill of the race up close.
All races will be officiated by internationally certified referees, ensuring a professional and fair competition.
[Cultural Feast] Two Days of Excitement – Full Program Overview
DAY 1 | Cultural Experience Day
🗓 June 21, 11:00–16:00
- Chinese–Danish Cultural Performances｜A symphonic stage blending tradition and modernity
- Public Dragon Boat Trial Paddling｜Feel the spirit of rowing together as one (for confident swimmers)
- Brand & Culture Booths｜Brand showcases, food experiences, cultural art, and family-friendly crafts
- Community Exchange Projects｜Strengthening Sino-Danish friendship through cultural bridges
DAY 2 | Race Day
🗓 June 22, 10:00–18:00
- Opening Ceremony & VIP Speeches｜A grand welcome with sponsor and guest appearances
- International Dragon Boat Races｜Multiple teams compete with drums pounding and paddles flying
- Cross-Cultural Performances｜Lion dances, traditional music, street dance, and creative acts
- Award Ceremony & Closing Event｜A celebration of unity, perseverance, and cultural spirit
Dragon Boat Race Highlight – Cutting Through the Waves in South Harbour
The “UME Cup” Dragon Boat Race is the heart of the cultural festival. Professional teams will display exceptional technique, while amateur teams embody the essence of teamwork and shared purpose.
Dozens of teams from various countries and industries will churn up the waters of South Harbour—showcasing the unifying power of teamwork, determination, and international friendship.
Honorary Certificates – A Tribute to Every Participant
To recognize the contributions of all official participants in preserving dragon boat culture and promoting international friendship, the organizing committee will present each registered racer with an honorary certificate.
This certificate not only acknowledges their effort and dedication but also serves as a meaningful keepsake of their involvement in a global cultural celebration.
🎖 All official team members will receive an honorary certificate, honoring their role in the heritage of dragon boat culture and the strengthening of China–Denmark ties.
Details on how to collect the certificate can be found on the official website: www.dragonboat.dk.
Social Impact – A Cultural Festival for the City, A Symphony of Diversity
This event is a key component of the urban revitalization of Copenhagen’s South Harbour. Through collaboration with local communities, the city government, and cultural and educational institutions, the festival aims to:
- Promote cultural understanding among Chinese and Danish youth
- Build a platform for dialogue between local residents and international communities
- Integrate traditional Chinese festivals with the Copenhagen way of life
- Create an inclusive, multicultural, eco-friendly, and sustainable celebration experience
With participation from various industries and age groups, the festival highlights Copenhagen’s openness and the vibrant inclusivity of its cultural identity.
Rowing into a New Era, United in Victory
In the midsummer of 2025, South Harbour in Copenhagen will ripple with waves as dragon boats race across the water.
From the thrill of competition to the brilliance of cultural performances, from laughter to sweat, the Dragon Boat Festival is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of friendship that transcends cultures, borders, and generations.
Let us row with our paddles as pens and our hearts as ink, writing a new chapter of dragon boat history for Copenhagen together.
We warmly invite you to join us in making this celebration unforgettable!
Race Organization & Safety
The event is fully coordinated by the Copenhagen Kayak Club, ensuring a high-quality racing experience and solid safety measures. The organizing committee has covered maritime activity permit fees and will provide:
- Two rescue boats and professional lifeguards
- Experienced steerers on every boat
- Full equipment including dragon boats, paddles, and life vests
- Cleared race areas and planned courses to ensure smooth operations
Important Notes:
- All participants must be at least 12 years old and capable swimmers
- For safety, the race will use traditional, stable-style dragon boats
- Teams are encouraged to bring cheer squads to boost morale and energy on race day
🎖
Awards
🥇 Gold Prize (Sponsored by Wumart Supermarket)
- 20 bottles of Moutai Chun liquor
- 20 dining vouchers (DKK 600 each)
- Total value: ~DKK 12,000
🥈 Silver Prize (Sponsored by KM Technology)
- 20 bottles of 12K NMN health supplements (DKK 400 each)
- Total value: ~DKK 8,000
🥉 Bronze Prize (Co-sponsored by Tsingtao Beer & Danisa Cookies)
- 10 cases of Tsingtao beer
- 20 boxes of Royal Danish cookies
- Total value: ~DKK 5,000
🏅 4th Place:
- 20 drink vouchers from Hygge Chi ApS (DKK 50 each)
- 20 dragon boat T-shirts from Dannaku Punktur (DKK 100 each)
🏅 5th Place:
- 20 packs of ginger tea (Shanghai Association)
- 3 cases of Tsingtao beer
🏅 6th Place:
- 2 cases of Tsingtao beer
- 4 boxes of Royal Danish cookies
🎁 Special Prizes:
2–3 additional special awards will be presented with generous prizes, announced live at the event.
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