A Dragon Boat Festival, a cultural event with roots in China, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow at Ala Moana Beach Park.

The Hawaii Dragon Boat Association and the city are presenting the festival, which will feature boat races involving corporate companies, Chinese societies, military units and city teams including one pitting a mayor's team and a City Council team.

Participating teams must have 19 members, including 16 paddlers, one drummer, one flag catcher and one steersman, with up to 10 alternate paddlers allowed in rotation.