A festival on the fifth day
The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 / 端午節, Duānwǔ Jié) is traditionally observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Dragon boat racing is an important feature in many celebrations. Another well-known tradition is eating zòngzi (粽子), parcels of sticky rice often wrapped in leaves, with fillings that vary.
Why Qu Yuan appears in the story
One widely told tradition associates the festival with Qu Yuan, an ancient poet and political figure. In the story, people race boats or offer food in response to his death.
This is a meaningful narrative, but scholars and communities also discuss other regional traditions and possible earlier customs. A cultural tradition may carry several layers of explanation.
More than the race
Some communities associate Duanwu with seasonal protection rituals, fragrant herbs and family practices. Not every person observes these practices; local custom and personal choice matter.
Your next question
What makes a public race, a shared meal and a remembered poem parts of the same festival? You can explore each as a different kind of cultural memory.