On May 30, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) celebrated its annual Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant gathering enriched by the aroma of freshly wrapped zongzi (rice dumplings) and filled with joyful laughter. This event fostered a profound sense of belonging for many overseas Chinese, blending wellness and culture to create a powerful connection between nostalgia and the present—a beautiful reminder that "home is where the heart feels at peace."
The day began with a warm-up led by Mr Liao, a professional Tai Chi instructor. He guided participants through the traditional Ba Duan Jin routine, carefully demonstrating each movement. Seniors followed along at their own pace, completing a 30-minute gentle workout that many said was well-suited to their physical condition.
After the warm-up, support worker Limei surprised the crowd with a playful twist — dozens of colourful pool noodles. “Today, we’ll be dragon boat racing — on land!” she announced. Limei demonstrated how to hold the noodle like a paddle, engaging both arms and core strength.
Groups soon moved in rhythm to the upbeat drumming, recreating the energy of a dragon boat race without water. This fun and innovative activity gave traditional culture a fresh spin, bringing participants together through shared movement and laughter.
One of the day's highlights was the zongzi wrapping session. CWCC provided ample bamboo leaves, glutinous rice, and a variety of fillings. Participants from different backgrounds shared their unique wrapping techniques, sparking lively conversation and cultural exchange. Staff observed how naturally this hands-on activity encouraged intergenerational learning, with younger attendees eager to learn from elders.
During lunch, a nourishing meal of bak kut teh, seasonal vegetables, and zongzi was served by CWCC’s kitchen team. As they ate, seniors spontaneously organised a mini singalong, with songs in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese echoing through the room. Some tapped along to the rhythm, others softly sang — a symphony of diverse voices woven into one heartfelt melody of shared heritage.
To round off the celebration, a culturally themed version of bingo brought smiles all around, and each attendee received a small gift to take home.
Many participants praised the event's thoughtful planning, which blended cultural traditions with the realities of modern migrant life. "We host traditional celebrations like this every year," said a CWCC spokesperson. "They help our communities stay connected to their cultural roots while also promoting social inclusion. For this event, we placed special emphasis on engagement and safety, ensuring every participant enjoyed a meaningful and memorable experience.”
