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April 30, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Dragon Boat Races
Mother’s Day Feasts
Clockwise from the top right: Selenka/bigstock.com, Olgany/bigstock.com,Thomas Alan Smilie
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t is said that dragon boat racing began in China in the 4th century BC in honor of Qu Yuan, a revered statesman and poet. The Chinese tradition of a dragon boat festival developed after his death and continues today. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, rather than accept the corrupt government practices of his time, threw himself into the sea as a final protest. The local fishermen raced out in their boats to save Qu Yuan, beating the water with their oars to frighten away the dragons and to prevent them from eating their hero. Today on Okinawa, dragon boat races are annual events held in various fishing communities beginning in the late spring and lasting into the summer months. The largest of these festivals is the Naha Hârî
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which is held during Golden Week—the five days of holiday between April 29 and May 5. The Naha Dragon Boat Races pit multi-colored boats against each other, decorated with ferocious-looking dragon heads, scaled arms with sharp talons and elaborate tails, each powered by a 32-rower team. Teams hail from Tomari, Kume and other Naha district residents, as well as different nations (including contingents from U.S. military installations such as the MCCS Semper Fit Single Marine Program team). The three-day Naha Hârî Festival draws thousands of spectators and incorporates food booths, live band performances, and nightly firework displays. Watch the races with Tours+ on May 5. For details, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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t’s recognized the world over that there’s really no way to fully thank our mothers for the lifetime of love, support and guidance they provide. However, treating your mom to a special Mother’s Day brunch at an MCCS club on May 10 is a pleasant way to express the thanks that is often left unspoken. At the Butler Officers’ Club and Camp Courtney Tengan Castle your mom can enjoy a scrumptious brunch. Adults eat for $17, children (5–11) for $8.50 and children under 5 eat FREE. Both brunches will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special Mother’s Day breakfast will be served at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Both meals are $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children (5–11) and children under 5 eat FREE. Reservations are highly recommended for all brunches and breakfasts. For more information, contact your nearest participating club.
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