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Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on June 14th. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. The festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a famous writer and politician during the Warring States period. Qu Yuan was loyal to his kingdom, but when his advice was ignored, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. The people admired Qu Yuan and tried to save him by throwing rice dumplings into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body. The origin of Dragon Boat Festival is another story. It is said that there was once a great dragon that lived in the river. When the farmers were ready to plant their crops, they would throw rice into the river as a way of appeasing the dragon. This tradition eventually evolved into the Dragon Boat Festival. During the festival, dragon boat races are held all over the country, and people eat zongzi, a glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, to remember Qu Yuan. The zongzi can be filled with various ingredients like pork, egg yolk, and mushrooms. It is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In addition to dragon boat racing and eating zongzi, there are many other traditions associated with the festival. People often hang sweet flag leaves and wormwood on their doors to ward off evil spirits. They also take a bath with traditional Chinese herbs to prevent diseases and promote good health. In recent years, Dragon Boat Festival has become a popular holiday not only in China but also around the world. Many international cities now hold dragon boat races during the festival, and people of different cultures enjoy the traditional Chinese celebration. In conclusion, the Dragon Boat Festival is a special holiday that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It is a time to remember the sacrifices and virtues of Qu Yuan and to celebrate the ancient traditions of the Chinese people. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or a food lover, there's something for everyone during this festive time.