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Taiwan – the pearl island in the heart of Asia – captivates visitors not only with its majestic natural landscapes and modern cities intertwined with ancient charm, but also with its rich and colorful treasure trove of traditional festivals. The Taiwanese January festivals are not simply occasions for fun, but also a journey back to our roots, where cultural values have been preserved through generations.
Take a stroll through Taiwan's various festivals, feeling the breath of the past blended with modern life, listening to legendary stories retold through enchanting lights, sounds, and dances. Taiwan is not just a destination, but an emotional journey, where each festival is a gateway to a world of fascinating and unexpected cultures!
Lantern Festival, a vibrant cultural journey.
The Lantern Festival is a very important holiday for Taiwanese people. This traditional festival is considered part of the Lunar New Year. The activities on this day signify the official announcement of the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Because this custom takes place only half a month after the Lunar New Year, Taiwanese people also call the Lantern Festival the "Second Festival".
The Lantern Festival is considered an important holiday in Taiwanese culture.
According to legend, the 15th day of the first lunar month is the day when gods descend from heaven to bestow blessings upon people. On this day, people typically make lanterns, eat glutinous rice balls, and participate in festive activities to pray for a peaceful, happy, and prosperous new year.
In Taiwan, the Lantern Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate the gods but also a time for family members to reunite and gather together. On this day, people often make glutinous rice balls, a traditional dish with a round shape, symbolizing reunion and togetherness.
Locals believe that lanterns can bring good luck to everyone; they are the light of faith and hope.
For the people of Taiwan, after the Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival is also an important holiday. Throughout Taiwan, there are lively celebrations wishing for peace and good health. People are busy admiring lanterns, playing with couplets, and enjoying the festivities. Taiwan's Lantern Festival is a creative blend of tradition and modern technology, highlighted by the art of traditional and modern lantern making, combining old and new. In addition, vibrant folk art performances attract a large number of tourists every year.
Having evolved over time with elaborate celebrations, the Lantern Festival has now become one of Taiwan's most important and culturally significant holidays.
The Lantern Festival is a deeply rooted traditional culture in Taiwan. It's a time for people to enjoy the joyful and lively atmosphere of the festival and pray for good fortune in the new year. If you have the chance to visit Taiwan during the Lantern Festival, don't forget to participate in the festivities to experience the unique cultural aspects of this country!
The Pingxi Lantern Festival is a dazzling display of colors.
During the Lantern Festival, numerous festive activities are held throughout Taiwan. One of the most prominent is the Sky Lantern Festival. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, a vibrant and meaningful event, is held annually on the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month) in New Taipei City, Taiwan. More than just a festival, it's an opportunity for locals and tourists from around the world to celebrate the new year, sending their wishes and hopes into the shimmering, magical sky lanterns.
These lanterns are not only symbols of good luck and hope, but also a way for people to send their wishes to the universe.
On this day, thousands of sky lanterns of all colors and sizes are released into the air, creating a beautiful and romantic scene. Each lantern carries wishes, hopes, and good wishes for the new year.
According to local legend, this place was once very remote and sparsely populated because it was located in a high, rugged mountain area with extremely difficult and treacherous roads. Whenever someone came down the mountain to buy food, they would buy for other households. At that time, there were 10 families living here, so they would buy 10 portions. From that, the village got its name, "Ten-Part Village," meaning "ten portions."
When releasing lanterns into the sky, people often write their wishes on the lanterns, hoping they will come true.
The village is situated in a rugged and difficult location. The villagers work in a gold mine, which means they are frequently attacked and robbed by bandits, forcing them to flee deep into the forest or up the mountains to hide. To signal safety to those hiding in the mountains, after the bandits have left, they release sky lanterns. From then until the 15th of January each year, the villagers hold a sky lantern release ceremony, writing down their wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year to the gods.
The colorful lanterns not only create a vibrant festive atmosphere but also convey good wishes to all participants.
Visiting Taiwan during the New Year period not only allows you to admire the spectacular fireworks display at Taipei 101 on New Year's Eve, but also to participate in the sky lantern festival in New Taipei City.
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival lights up the Taiwanese sky.
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, also known as the Beehive Fireworks Festival, is one of the most unique and famous festivals in Taiwan. This festival is not only a spectacular fireworks display but also a distinctive cultural event, attracting a large number of locals and tourists from all over the world.
The festival originated in the 19th century, when locals set off fireworks to ward off disease and pray for a peaceful and happy new year. Over time, this festival has become an important cultural tradition, deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of the people of Yanshui.
This festival has been lauded by the media as "one of the three largest folk festivals in the world".
The name "beehive fireworks" comes from the characteristics of the fireworks used in the festival. When they explode, these clusters of fireworks emit thousands of bright sparks, creating an image resembling a broken beehive. The sound produced by these fireworks is also unique, sounding like the buzzing of bees, further enhancing the uniqueness and appeal of the festival.
Attending the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is an unforgettable experience. On the night of the festival, the entire town of Yanshui becomes lively and vibrant. Locals and tourists flock to the streets to admire the spectacular fireworks displays.
The dazzling fireworks symbolize the people's wish for a prosperous year.
Fireworks are launched high into the sky, creating dazzling and magical images. The sound of the fireworks echoes everywhere, bringing a feeling of excitement and exhilaration. Festival participants believe that standing under the fireworks will bring good luck and ward off bad fortune.
The Yanshui Beehive fireworks festival is quite dangerous, so participants need to adhere to safety regulations. Long-sleeved clothing, helmets, and safety glasses are recommended to avoid injury from fireworks. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from the fireworks display area is essential for personal safety and the safety of others.
January in Taiwan is not only a time to enjoy delicious food and admire beautiful natural scenery, but also an opportunity to experience unique traditional festivals. With diverse recreational activities, visitors will have unforgettable memories during their spring trip to Taiwan at the beginning of the year.
