Traditional boat festivals

Traditional boat festivals are cultural celebrations that honor waterways and maritime heritage through colorful boat parades, races, and rituals. Participants often decorate boats elaborately and may perform ceremonies to seek good fortune, safety, or bountiful harvests. These festivals are rich in history and community spirit, showcasing local customs, music, and dance. They serve as a way to preserve traditions, promote tourism, and strengthen social bonds. Common in coastal and river regions worldwide, these festivals highlight the importance of water transport and the craft of boat-building in the cultural identity of a region.