This year’s festival was particularly special, as it featured the participation of the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. Their involvement added a deeper cultural significance to the event, highlighting the rich heritage of dragon boat racing, which originated in China over 2,000 years ago.

The event kicked off with the familiar starting signal: “Are you ready? – Attention – Go!” as nine dragon boats, each manned by a team of 20 paddlers, lined up to race across distances of 100m, 200m, 500m, and 1,000m. With over 70 teams competing, including a team sponsored by the Chinese Embassy, the atmosphere was electric. Every crew paddled in perfect harmony, driven by the shared goal of victory and camaraderie.

The festival was a feast for the senses, with the powerful beat of drums echoing across the water, the vibrant and exotic designs of the boats capturing the eye, and the raw strength of the athletes on full display. Spectators watched in awe as the boats, led by fierce dragon heads, glided gracefully through the water, accompanied by the thrilling sounds of battle cries and the synchronized strokes of the paddlers.

The participation of the Chinese Embassy not only underscored the cultural roots of dragon boat racing but also fostered a spirit of international friendship and cooperation. The Berlin CityCup once again proved to be an unmissable event, offering unforgettable moments for both participants and spectators. The weekend was filled with excitement, energy, and a shared sense of achievement, solidifying its place as the premier dragon boat event in Berlin. Those who attended will surely carry the memories of this exhilarating festival with them until next year’s race.

• - https://berlin-citycup.de/en_GB/