Dragon boats
awakened at
Central Park

Dragon Boat season officially opened with an awakening ceremony in Manhattan’s Central Park on Thursday, July 1.

Buddhist priests were on hand to bless and paint the eyes on the dragons, readying them for their battle on Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on the weekend of August 7.

After the blessings were doled out, a mock race was held so that the dragons could reacquaint themselves with the water.