October 10, 2003

(Clearwisdom.net) The Second Dragon Boat Festival of Philadelphia was held on the Schuylkill River on October 4 (Saturday). There were 83 teams and a total of 1800 crew members participating in the competition. It was estimated that about 5000 people came to the festival. According to the introduction by the organizer, the Dragon Festival originated in China about 2000 years ago, and today about 2 million people in more than 40 countries around the world participate in local dragon boat competitions every year. This traditional sport is becoming more and more popular. To help more people understand Chinese culture, the organizer of this event especially invited Chinese groups, including local Falun Gong practitioners, to perform traditional Chinese programs. Falun Gong practitioners from the greater Philadelphia area brought the essence of the traditional Chinese culture for the audience: Falun Gong exercises. They also gave dancing and waist-drum performances.