On June 23, the Confucius Institute in Olomouc welcomed 18 sixth-grade students from Mozart Elementary School (Základní škola Mozartova) for a hands-on exploration of the Dragon Boat Festival, one of China’s most significant traditional celebrations. The workshop, led by Dominika Ďurišová, Czech Director of the institute, offered students direct exposure to Chinese cultural heritage through storytelling and interactive activities.
During the opening session,Anna Sošková, a Czech assistant at the institute, traced the festival’s origins and historical significance, highlighting the legend of the poet Qu Yuan, who inspired the traditions of dragon boat racing and the rice dumpling consumption. The narrative connected ancient Chinese history to contemporary cultural practices, helping students understand the enduring importance of the festival in Chinese society.
The interactive component engaged students in three collaborative activities. Participants decorated dragon boat illustrations, tried on traditional Chinese garments to understand their design and cultural context, and practiced using chopsticks in a friendly competitive game. These activities allowed students to move beyond passive learning, developing a tactile and embodied understanding of Chinese traditions.
The workshop reflects the institute’s broader mission to create meaningful cultural encounters for local schools. By bringing Chinese traditions directly into academic settings, the Confucius Institute in Olomouc strengthens cross-cultural understanding among younger learners and builds lasting connections between the Czech Republic and China.
