Dragon Boat Festival in Schwerin: finale of the paddlers on Sunday!

Dragon Boat Festival in Schwerin: finale of the paddlers on Sunday!

Schwerin was firmly in the hands of paddlers and happy spectators this weekend as the city celebrated the 32nd Dragon Boat Festival at the picturesque Pfaffenteich. After a two-year break, over 35,000 visitors came on Sunday, August 24, 2025 to watch the semi-finals and finals and cheer on their favorite teams. Despite the cool weather, the atmosphere was great and the festival offered plenty of action and entertainment.

Let's start with the facts: The last intermediate races started at 9 a.m., followed by the semi-final races at 11 a.m. Over 95 teams from Germany and Poland took part with around 2,500 paddlers. The atmosphere was electric and spectators were able to see first hand how the final races were decided down to hundredths of a second. Michael Nowack, the chairman of the Schwerin Canoe Racing Association (KRG), praised the high sporting quality and the smooth running of the festival.

A feast for all senses

The Dragon Boat Festival itself is a celebration that goes far beyond the competition. Spectators had the opportunity to enjoy various gastronomic offerings and experience the festive atmosphere. A children's area also ensured that the little guests also got their money's worth. Saturday evening transformed the city into a summer night celebration with a spectacular fireworks display that was considered the highlight of the festival.

The KRG attached great importance to a successful comeback after the break. Chris Richter, a member of the KRG board, was very positive about the restart. The festival was not only a sporting event, but also a meeting place for the community. The special prize for the integrative team from Drescher Werkstätten/Anker Social Work highlighted their social commitment, while the Schwerin team “Ukrainian Dragons” won the B final of the Open class.

A piece of culture in dragon boat sport

Dragon boat racing has an interesting history in Germany. Since their introduction by Hamburg merchants who imported dragon boats from Taiwan, they have enjoyed growing popularity and have now developed into a modern sport. The boats are intricately designed, with dragon heads and tails reminiscent of the legendary dragons revered in Chinese mythology.

The crew of a dragon boat consists of 18 to 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helmsman - a harmonious unit that ensures the speed and competitive spirit. Schwerin has established itself as one of the centers of German dragon boat competition, and the annual races on the Pfaffenteich captivate both participants and spectators.

This year's Dragon Boat Festival ended with a festive awards ceremony where the best teams were honored. The next festival is already being planned and will take place from August 18th to 20th, 2023.

The anticipation for the coming year is palpable, and the city of Schwerin shows that it is at the forefront when it comes to dragon boat competitions. Thanks go to all participants and visitors who made this event an unforgettable experience.

For more information about the festival and upcoming dates, please visit: NDR, Schwerin local and Schwerin MV.