Naha Hari dragon boat race, an Okinawan Golden Week tradition, cancelled for second straight year due to COVID-19

Naha Hari dragon boat race, an Okinawan Golden Week tradition, cancelled for second straight year due to COVID-19

The Naha Hari race in May, 2019. Junior high school students row their dragon boats as hard as they can in a race against rival schools (Photograph by Kaori Tanaka)


March 31, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Naha City announced March 31 that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they would be cancelling the 47th annual Naha Hari races scheduled to take place from May 3-5 at the Naha Port Piers. This is the second straight year the event has been cancelled. The race’s board of governors said, “Since we cannot forecast the state of the coronavirus pandemic [at the time of the race], it is exceedingly difficult to create an environment where participants and spectators can enjoy the festivities safely,” deciding to cancel the event after a written resolution by the race’s executive committee.

The Naha Hari is an annual tradition that brings color to Naha during Golden Week, and in addition to the dragon boat races, the area also features fireworks and live music among other activities. Instead of the races, there will be a special exhibit at the Naha Hari Museum in Tomari, Naha from May 3-5. Visitors will be able to board the dragon boats and take pictures.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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