Copenhagen South Harbour, June 21, 2025
Today, June 21, 2025, the highly anticipated 8th UME Copenhagen International Dragon Boat Cultural Festival officially opened at Frederikskaj in South Harbour as scheduled. The opening day was a resounding success, drawing thousands of local residents and tourists to gather in celebration.
As one of the largest Chinese cultural events in Northern Europe, this year’s festival combines sports competition, cultural exchange, culinary experiences, and community interaction. Open to the public free of charge, it fully showcases the spirit of Sino-Danish friendship and the city’s multicultural inclusiveness.
A Grand Opening: Thunderous Drums Usher in a Vibrant Summer
At 10 a.m., the opening ceremony began with the powerful beat of traditional drums. Representatives from the organizers, event leaders, and distinguished guests attended the launch. The opening performances followed immediately, featuring traditional Chinese musical instruments and Danish local art groups taking turns on stage. The fusion of cultures won enthusiastic applause from the audience.
A local Danish resident exclaimed with excitement, “This festival allows us to experience the charm of Chinese culture and makes our city even more vibrant and diverse.”
Dragon Boat Trial: Everyone Joins the Fun
One of today’s highlights was the “Public Dragon Boat Trial,” open to anyone eager to experience the thrill of dragon boating firsthand. Under the guidance of professional coaches, many families, children, and even tourists bravely got on board, embracing the spirit of unity and teamwork. Although it was the first time for many participants, once they got into the rhythm, they enthusiastically declared they were “hooked” and hoped to return next year as official competitors.
Flavors of Sydhavn: A Hundred Food Stalls, Endless Delights
Over 100 food stalls were set up at the venue, offering a diverse selection that included Chinese cuisine, Japanese dishes, Southeast Asian flavors, and Danish street food. Watching dragon boat races while sampling delicious snacks proved to be the most popular way to enjoy the day.
From steaming pan-fried dumplings and crispy spring rolls to handcrafted bubble tea and ice-cold beer, long queues formed at almost every stand. A Chinese family who had traveled all the way from Aarhus shared their joy: “There are more types of food stalls this year than ever before—our whole family is having a fantastic time eating our way through the festival!”
Tomorrow’s Highlights: Fierce Competition and All-New Performances — The Climax Is Coming!
While today’s festivities were already a dazzling success, tomorrow, June 22, marks the official race day and the true highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival.
More than 30 dragon boat teams will compete in high-stakes races on the waters of Frederikskaj, featuring a mix of professional teams and local community groups. The races will follow a double-elimination format, giving each team multiple chances to advance and compete for the championship titles. The event is expected to draw over 50,000 spectators on-site and more than two million viewers via livestream.
In addition, the stage area will present brand-new cultural performances, including traditional Danish music and a special original choral performance by an international student ensemble. Together, the dynamic races and vibrant artistic showcases will deliver a truly immersive feast for the senses.
Public Reminder: Start Early and Choose Green Transportation
Due to the large scale of the event and its overlap with the Copenhagen Sprint cycling race, the organizing committee strongly advises attendees to set out early and opt for public transportation or cycling to reach the venue. This will help avoid traffic congestion and ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting programs.
For detailed traffic information, please visit the official website at dragonboat.dk or tune in to DR P4 Trafik for real-time traffic updates.
See You at Copenhagen South Harbour — Don’t Miss It!
This weekend, Copenhagen is more than just a city — it’s a bridge connecting cultures and friendships. As the drums beat again and dragon boats surge forward, the rhythm of midsummer will once more ripple across the water.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply a foodie, the 2025 UME Copenhagen Dragon Boat Cultural Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.
See you tomorrow!