Legend is that the people of Chu rushed to the river to rescue him, but they arrived too late. So they splashed furiously and threw zongzi (traditional rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) into the river as a sacrifice to his spirit and to keep the fish away from his body.

Zongzi and dragon boat racing have remained traditions for Chinese people until the present day. The historical significance — combined with fun, competitiveness and athleticism — has transformed it into a sport that attracts participants from around the world. It also serves as a gateway for people to learn about Chinese history and culture.

"I love to come to the Dragon Boat Festival. I think it's one of the best things that happens in Cambridge, and we're so delighted to welcome all of the rowers and everyone to Cambridge," said Jason Weeks, director of the Cambridge Art Council. The docks for the dragon boat are located on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

"It's very, very strong. We have just a robust community of folks here who keep all of the creativity alive." He said it was nice "to have a festival like this where we can all come together for the day and celebrate not just the races and the sporting aspects, but also especially the cultural aspects".

Weeks said the shape, design and decorations of dragon boats are part of Chinese culture and art. "The arts and the culture always create the opportunity for us to come together successfully and in a spirit of celebration," he said.