The fragrance of freshly wrapped zongzi filled the hall as bronze chime music from China's Hubei province echoed through a cultural gathering in Los Angeles, where Chinese and American residents came together to celebrate the traditions of Duanwu Jie, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival.

Decorated with zongzi, a sticky rice dumpling, traditional sachets filled with herbs for blessings, and other festive symbols, the venue hosted the launch ceremony for The First California Duanwu Jie on May 30. The festival is scheduled to be celebrated on June 19 following a resolution adopted by the California State Assembly that recognizes the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on June 19, as the inaugural Duanwu Jie in California. It describes the holiday as having more than 2,000 years of history and deep cultural significance.

"We traveled from the banks of Yangtze River to Los Angeles, aiming to introduce the traditions and cultural heritage of Hubei province to California through the Dragon Boat Festival celebration," Yu Hui, deputy manager of Hubei Cultural and Tourism Group, told China Daily.

Yu described Hubei as the birthplace of the esteemed statesman and patriotic poet Qu Yuan during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and an important cradle of Chu culture and Dragon Boat Festival traditions, including dragon boat racing and the eating of zongzi.

He introduced cultural and tourism landmarks including the Three Gorges, Mount Wudang, Shennongjia and the Enshi Grand Canyon, while inviting American visitors to experience Hubei's history, cuisine and cultural heritage firsthand.

Immersed in the festive atmosphere, Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, said cultural exchanges continue to strengthen people-to-people ties between China and the United States despite geopolitical tensions.

"I think it's great for California. There's such a strong connection between Chinese culture and the people here, and California culture," Weis said. "To have this great Dragon Boat Festival, which is so well-known across China, and so important to the culture, brought here — it's great."

Weis said California has long maintained an open environment for cultural exchange and noted that modern travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences and meaningful human connections. Weis said the recognition of Duanwu Jie reflected a growing appreciation of Chinese heritage in California.

"This is more than a symbolic gesture," Weis said. "It reflects a growing appreciation for Chinese heritage and an understanding that cultural traditions enrich all of our communities."

According to Phillip Chen, the California assembly member who proposed the resolution, recognizing Dragon Boat Festival helps promote cultural understanding and strengthens community connections across California's diverse population.

"It's significant because it brings culture and understanding," Chen said, adding that the festival highlights the importance of people coming together across cultural backgrounds.

Wang Lei, president of the Jingchu Culture Foundation of America, noted that the California resolution incorporated the Chinese pinyin name "Duanwu" directly into legislative text and explicitly referenced Qu Yuan and the festival's traditional values.

"For more than 2,000 years, the values embodied by Qu Yuan — love of country, cultural confidence, integrity and the pursuit of ideals — have inspired generations of Chinese people around the world," Wang said.

"Today, by launching the first California Duanwu Festival, we are not only celebrating a traditional holiday, but also carrying forward a cultural spirit that transcends time, geography and generations," he added.

Huang Hongjiang, deputy Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between China and California.

"Our relations require not only government-to-government linkage, but also people-to-people exchanges," Huang said. "Today's event is a good example that we are working together to deepen cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges."

Zhou Min, a professor of sociology and Asian American studies and director of the UCLA Asia Pacific Center, said the recognition carries broader symbolic significance related to cultural diversity and inclusion.

"I am not surprised that California would recognize the festival," Zhou said. "The symbolism behind it is that California recognizes cultural diversity, and recognizing ethnic holidays is part of that process."

Zhou added that food and festivals often serve as important cultural connections across communities. She noted that many of her students enjoy zongzi and view the Dragon Boat Festival as part of a broader celebration of multiculturalism and Asian cultural traditions in California.

Renali@chinadailyusa.com