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Taiwan's most famous festivals have greatly contributed to the development of island tourism. Many travelers, driven by curiosity, choose to visit the island during festival seasons. This provides an opportunity to further understand the beauty and culture of the people here. To find out which festivals they are, follow the article below!
Taiwan's Most Famous Festivals - Pole Climbing Festival
One of Taiwan's most famous festivals is undoubtedly the Pole Climbing Festival. This festival usually takes place in the 7th lunar month every year in Nghi Lan, Taiwan. The activity is like a traditional folk game with very simple preparations. Each team consists of about 5 male members, and the more teams, the more exciting and humorous the competition becomes.
Bamboo poles, about 10 stories high, adorned with flags at the top and various odds and ends dangling below, are slicked with grease for added excitement, creating a slippery challenge for participants and spectators alike.
The pole climbing festival always attracts strong, agile participants (Image Source: Collection)
To ascend, contestants weave ropes into loops and hook them onto their feet, aiding their grip on the greased poles. At the pinnacle, they retrieve items tied there and drop them down for teammates below to collect. The team that snags the flag first wins the day.
This festival brings laughter and relaxation to many tourists. However, pole climbing also poses risks and challenges, requiring only the fittest to partake. If you find yourself in Taiwan during this time, don't miss the chance to join in the festive spirit!
Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival - Taiwan's Most Famous Festival
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is one of Taiwan's most renowned festivals, also known as the beehive fireworks festival. It's named so because when ignited, the fireworks produce buzzing sounds like bees swarming from a hive. Simultaneously, hundreds or even thousands of firecrackers are launched into the sky.
This festival is typically held in Yanshui District, Tainan City. However, it's considered quite dangerous for participants as the fireworks are not aimed skyward but towards the crowds. Locals believe that the more sparks from the fireworks touch them, the luckier they'll be.
An event only for the brave-hearted (Image Source: Collection)
The festival is held to commemorate the plague outbreak of 1800. Locals used fireworks to drive away evil spirits and malevolent souls. Despite its inherent dangers, the festival holds great significance for the people here. Fireworks are launched horizontally from giant racks in all directions.
To participate, one must equip themselves with full protective gear, including long-sleeved shirts, trousers, gloves, boots, helmets, and goggles. You must also withstand the intense heat from the countless fireworks around you. However, if you're brave enough to join, it will be a priceless experience.
Yanshui Fireworks Festival - Taiwan's Most Celebrated Event
The lion dance festival, also known as the most famous festival in Taiwan, is renowned for its vibrancy. Lion dances, also known as dragon dances, are a familiar sight in Asian culture. The lion dance festival in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is always beloved by tourists.
Originally a traditional folk art from China, lion dances are showcased during special occasions like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. It is believed that lions symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
Lion dance is a cherished cultural aspect of festivals that Taiwanese people adore (Image Source: Collection)
The Taiwan lion dance festival comprises solemn rituals followed by celebratory performances. The solemn part involves reverent movements, seeking blessings for a peaceful performance. After the formalities, the festivities commence, featuring dynamic and entertaining dance routines.
To heighten the excitement, vibrant sound accompaniments include echoing drums, creating a lively atmosphere. Each performance typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, with some special programs extending up to 45 minutes.
Taiwan's Most Famous Festival - Hot Air Balloon Festival
If you're a fan of hot air balloons, then you'll definitely love this festival in Taiwan. Taiwan is known for hosting one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Asia. The festival typically starts in July and lasts for about a month.
This most famous festival in Taiwan is usually held in Luye Township, known for its plateau situated at an altitude of about 350 meters. It boasts a vast expanse of lush green grass spanning 66,000 square meters. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the East Rift Valley.
The festival features a variety of hot air balloons in different colors and shapes (Image Source: Collection)
During the event, you'll witness mesmerizing balloon flights and landings. Alongside, there are vibrant musical performances with illuminated hot air balloons at night. Moreover, some couples even choose to tie the knot on hot air balloons!
Not only can you admire the gigantic hot air balloons, but you also have the opportunity to experience them. These balloons will take you up high to embrace the fresh air. If you're a fan of this activity, then Taiwan is the place to be during the festival!
Taiwan's Most Famous Festival - Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Taiwan, eagerly awaited by locals. For Taiwanese people, this is a significant festival of the year. Unlike in our country, on this day, people have a day off to reunite with their families.
Visiting Taiwan during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you'll see lanterns hanging everywhere. Not only that, but people also exchange gifts on this day. These gifts are not just mooncakes but also ripe, round pomelos, expressing their affection for each other.
Brightly lit lanterns adorn the streets on Mid-Autumn Festival (Image Source: Collection)
Additionally, grilled meat is a popular dish on this holiday. It can be said that this habit began quite randomly. Long ago in Taiwan, there was an advertisement with the slogan 'One household grilling meat, a thousand households fragrant.' Because it was broadcast repeatedly for many years, the habit of eating grilled meat seems to have originated from there.
Grilling meat is also believed to bring a cozy atmosphere to family gatherings. People come together, creating a scene of warmth and happiness. That's why in Taiwan, Mid-Autumn Festival is humorously referred to as the Grilled Meat Festival.
Taiwan's Most Famous Festival - Ghost Festival
One of the most famous festivals in Taiwan renowned for its uniqueness is the Ghost Festival. This festival typically takes place throughout the seventh lunar month. Events often occur at local temples with various specific activities, all deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture.
The Ghost Festival is seen as a connection between the living and the deceased. Through this festival, reverence and remembrance for ancestors are expressed. It's an ideal opportunity to learn about the activities and cultural beauty of Taiwan.
Some families prepare fruits, meat, fresh flowers, and other items to offer at the ancestral shrine or temporary altar in front of their homes. Some families even invite monks to pray for deceased relatives or for wandering souls without homes or loved ones.
Taiwan's Most Famous Festival - Dragon Boat Festival
Among the most renowned traditional festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival is highly cherished. To immerse in the lively atmosphere of the festival, visitors can come here in late May or early June. During this season, the rivers here transform into true racing arenas.
Previously exclusive to locals, now tourists can also participate in the festival. Before and after the festival, various rituals are held to pray for the safety of the event. This vibrant and lively atmosphere will bring you unique experiences.
Impressive scenery during the Dragon Boat Festival (Source: Collected)
A dragon boat team typically consists of several dozen people. They are selected from various regions, villages, and formed into a cohesive group. Teams are assigned distinct colors and uniforms for easy identification. At the start, colorful dragon boats with dozens of rowers race each other to the finish line.
This cultural festival is also an opportunity to discover talented individuals for training and international competitions. That's why you'll see many young men participating in this competition. This adds excitement, allure, and impressiveness to the event.
Taiwan's Most Famous Festival - Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Among the most famous festivals in Taiwan, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a must-mention. This festival is often held during the Lunar New Year. When visiting Pingxi during this season, you'll have the chance to admire countless different lanterns. The sight of thousands of sky lanterns released into the sky creates a magnificent spectacle.
Thap Fan Ancient Village is the only place where sky lanterns are released as it is surrounded by rivers, mountains, and forests. According to legend, Binh Khe used to be a remote yet wealthy area prone to raids. Thus, residents often sought refuge in the mountains. When the land became peaceful and safe, the young men in the village would use lanterns to signal.
Many believe that writing wishes on lanterns released into the sky will make them come true (Image source: Collection)
Therefore, the tradition of releasing sky lanterns symbolizes peace and happiness. Lanterns are made of oiled paper wrapped around bamboo frames with various colors symbolizing different meanings. For example, red lanterns symbolize peace, yellow symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and blue symbolizes career advancement.
Participants will write their wishes on the lanterns before releasing them into the sky. Recently, environmentally friendly paper lanterns have been used. When lit, they do not produce waste upon landing. This is truly an amazing experience not to be missed.
Above are some of the most famous festivals in Taiwan that tourists love. If you want to immerse yourself in this lively atmosphere, make sure to plan your time accordingly! It will be an amazing experience of Taiwanese culture that you will cherish forever. To book a tour to Taiwan, contact Mytour now via hotline Mytour!
