Dragon Boat, Hong Kong
A global round-up of travel news and must-see events
Although many countries in Asia celebrate the Dragon Boat festival in June with races and rice dumplings, Hong Kong takes the festival one step further with local and international races and a boisterous beer carnival. With an estimated 30,000 paddlers taking to the waters around the city, the main races take place on the traditional Tuen Ng festival in Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Cheung Chau, Aberdeen and Stanley on June 12. The fifth Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival - San Miguel BeerFest on the weekend of June 21 - is a mega party in Tsim Sha Tsui East where international and local paddlers compete while spectators enjoy the sun and beer while watching the races. Rock king Wu Bai headlines the entertainment at the carnival, which also features Sugar Club, Supper Moment and Takki Wong. A competition for local upcoming rock stars will also take place, and don't miss the chance to win a pure gold beer can designed by G.O.D.
Entertainment in Macau is diversifying this summer with added family attractions courtesy of DreamWorks, the company that created such lovable movie characters as Shrek, Po from Kung Fu Panda, King Julien and the penguins from Madagascar, and Toothless and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon. Called the DreamWorks Experience, the entertainment will take place at Sands Cotai Central and Venetian Macau from July 1, where visitors will be able to interact with their favourite characters and take in daily parades and performances. Other themed offerings at the hotels include special DreamWorks room packages, character dining experiences, character-themed birthday parties and events.
Finnair adds flair to its in-flight service with tableware and textiles by Helsinki-based fashion and design house Marimekko, whose designs drew international attention in 1960 when Jackie Kennedy wore their dresses during the presidential campaign. For Finnair, Marimekko has designed tableware for business and economy classes, and napkins, blankets, pillows and headrest covers which will appear this summer. An Airbus 330 emblazoned with blue-forest livery based on Marimekko's Metsänväki (forest dwellers) print has also been unveiled. The aircraft will fly from Helsinki to 13 Asian destinations, and New York, joining its sister aircraft painted in Marimekko's Unikko (poppy) print unveiled last year.
