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13 Famous Festivals Of Taiwan

13 Famous Festivals Of Taiwan | You Must Experience In 2024

Ever wondered what makes Taiwan so special during festival times? Taiwan is full of traditions and fun events that show off its rich culture. Most of these festivals have roots in Chinese history but also include Taiwan's own special touches. From big national holidays to local religious events, there's always something happening. Some famous festivals of Taiwan include the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Visiting Taiwan, especially from January to March, means you'll see streets filled with colors, hear traditional music, and watch amazing dances. It's the perfect time to see Taiwan's culture up close. You can join in the fun, taste local foods, and learn about the island's history. Read this guide to learn more!

List Of 13 Famous Festivals Of Taiwan

The Taiwan festivals listed below are some of the most famous celebrations. You must attend Taiwanese arts and crafts fairs if you visit Taiwan!

  • Chinese New Year | Spring Festival
  • Lantern Festival | Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North
  • Dragon Boat Festival | Double Fifth Festival
  • Qixi Festival | Chinese Valentine's Day
  • Moon Festival | Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Jinshan Fire Fishing Festival | The Dying Art of Fire Fishing
  • Biennial Butterfly Beauty Festival | Witness Millions of Butterflies in One Location
  • Mazu International Festival | Festival of Incredible Diversity
  • Song Jiang Battle Array | Honour the Military Tradition
  • Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival | Integral Part of Taiwanese Folklore
  • Taiwan International Balloon Festival | Taiwan's Most Anticipated Summer Event
  • Ear-shooting Festival | Mala-Ta-Ngia
  • Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival | A Sight to Behold

1. Chinese New Year | Spring Festival

The Chinese New Year, celebrated as a key festival in Taiwan, symbolises the transition from the old to the new, reflecting a cultural embrace of renewal and optimism. Known also as the spring festival, it commences on the first day of the lunar calendar year. As part of the festivities, locals engage in spring cleaning to purge the bad and welcome positivity on the last day of the previous lunar year.

  • Date: 10 Feb 2024 (First day of the lunar month)
  • Events: Temple activities, sightseeing

2. Lantern Festival | Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North

Thousands of sky lanterns are lit throughout Pingxi District during the Lantern Festival, celebrated around Taiwan. One of the important events in Yanshui District is the Wu Miao Temple's firecracker celebration. Initially, the Taipei Pingxi Sky Lanterns were lit to signal outsiders that the town was secure. These lanterns are embellished with messages and pictures that are personal to the owner.

  • Date: 24 February 2024 (15th day of the 1st lunar month)
  • Events: Taiwan Lantern Festival, Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Yanshui Fireworks Festival, Bombing of Master Han Dan

3. Dragon Boat Festival | Double Fifth Festival

This event, which honours the ancient poet, Qu Yuan, is observed by eating zongzi and participating in dragon boat races. The Dragon Boat Festival is a folk festival in Taiwan integrating the worship of gods and ancestors, praying for good fortune and warding off evil spirits, celebrating, entertainment and eating.

  • Date: 10 June 2024 (Fifth day of the fifth lunar month)
  • Events: Eating zongzi, Dragon boat racing

4. Qixi Festival | Chinese Valentine's Day

This festival, which honours passionate love, is the most important on the Taipei festival calendar and is regarded as the traditional Chinese version of Valentine's Day. The festival originates in Chinese mythology: people celebrate the romantic legend of Zhinü and Niulang, a weaver girl and a cowherd, respectively, who were two lovers. Since the Han Dynasty, the Qixi Festival has honoured the legend of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

  • Date: 22 August 2024 (7th day of the 7th lunar month)
  • Events: Taipei Valentine's Day

5. Moon Festival | Mid-Autumn Festival

Different-sized and-shaped lanterns are carried and displayed; they serve as symbolic beacons that guide people toward prosperity and good fortune. On this occasion, it is standard to devour mooncakes, a tasty cake frequently filled with sweet bean, egg yolk, pork, or lotus seed paste. The history of Chang'e, the Moon goddess in Chinese mythology, serves as the establishment for the Mid-Autumn Celebration.

  • Date: 17 September 2024 (15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar)
  • Events: Outdoor barbecues, Enjoy the Moon, Eating mooncakes, and Eating Pomelo.

6. Jinshan Fire Fishing Festival | The Dying Art of Fire Fishing

This festival was initiated to promote the dying art of fire fishing and help boost the fishing trade. The festival organisers arrange a wide range of events. Still, the most popular of them is the opportunity for photographers to head out onto the water and capture the art of fire fishing in their film.

  • Date: May to July each year
  • Events: Fire fishing, nightly photography trips

7. Biennial Butterfly Beauty Festival | Witness Millions of Butterflies in One Location

The festival runs from November to March, and millions of Euphoria butterflies migrate to the beautiful Maolin region to overwinter. As one of only two winter migratory butterfly zones in the world, for many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see millions of butterflies in one place.

  • Date: From November to March
  • Events: Sightseeing

Read More : Things To Do In Taiwan

8. Mazu International Festival | Festival of Incredible Diversity

Considered one of Taiwan's most significant cultural events, this festival started in 2004 to promote local traditions regarding worship, martial arts, the arts, and industry. The festival lasts a week and is incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone.

  • Date: Every March of the Lunar New Year Calendar
  • Events: Pilgrimage, Ceremonies- jiaogao, and The kneeling ritual.

9. Song Jiang Battle Array | Honour the Military Tradition

Long ago, the men of Neimen often had to protect themselves against the local indigenous tribes that would attack and loot their land. They became experts at defending their land and passed on their skills through generations. These days, the Kaohsiung District is home to 54 battle parades which honour military tradition. The Song Jiang Battle Line consists of 18 parades in one event.

  • Date: Every year in March
  • Events: Carnival of performing arts, Parades

10. Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival | Integral Part of Taiwanese Folklore

Taiwanese folklore includes puppetry in great part, and Yunlin County hosts an unusual festival to honour it. Displays and performances of puppetry, shadow puppetry, and marionettes are held throughout the festival, with awards handed out for the best in each class.

  • Date: Every year in October
  • Events: Displays of marionettes, Performances of puppetry, and Awards.

11. Taiwan International Balloon Festival | Taiwan's Most Anticipated Summer Event

The hot air balloons that take to the sky during this festival have brought plentiful tourism to the area. The festival has grown to include balloon rides, concerts, and even balloon wedding celebrations.

  • Date: Jul-Aug each year
  • Events: Balloon rides, Concerts, Balloon wedding celebrations.

12. Ear-shooting Festival | Mala-Ta-Ngia

No, it's not quite what the name suggests. Known as Malatangia, this festival in southern Taiwan gives the indigenous Bunun people a chance to show off their archery skills by shooting animal ears on trees.

  • Date: Usually held between March and April
  • Events: Archery, Hunting.

13. Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival | A Sight to Behold

Held on one of Taiwan's most scenic stretches of sand, this festival is Taipei residents' most popular day trip. It's just a short ride on the train from the capital, and the sculptures on display are a memorable sight.

  • Date: Spread across summer months (May-Oct)
  • Events: Sand sculptures exhibition, SUP, Archery centre, and Sightseeing.

Read More : Best Tourist Places To Visit In Taiwan

Hope you enjoyed the brief list of the top 13 festivals in Taiwan that offer an insight into the sparkling Taiwanese culture and fabulous scenic views of the country. Check out our other blogs for more interesting blogs like this one. If you have any questions about the destination, write them in the comments below. So, as the festivities of Taiwan approach, get ready to immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural odyssey brought to you by Adotrip. The diverse world of Taiwanese festivals awaits your arrival!

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Conclusion

Experiencing festivals in Taiwan is like stepping into a world of color, music, and tradition. Each festival tells a story of the past and brings people together in celebration. If you're planning a trip, make sure to check out these events for a truly memorable experience. They're a great way to understand Taiwan's heart and soul.

Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Festival Of Taiwan

Q1. What are the most famous and culturally significant festivals in Taiwan?
A1.
The most famous and culturally significant festivals in Taiwan are:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Dragon Boat Festival
  • Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Mazu international Festival
  • Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival

Q2. How can I experience the vibrant music and dance festivals in Taiwan?
A2.
One must attend the Taiwan International Balloon Festival to experience the vibrant music and dance festivals in Taiwan.

Q3. What are the best food and culinary festivals to attend in Taiwan?
A3.
Taiwan's best food and culinary festivals are Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival.

Q4. Which cities host the most exciting and traditional lantern festivals?
A4.
The following cities host the most exciting and traditional lantern festivals:

  • Pingxi
  • Yanshui
  • Taipei

Q5. What are the top film festivals and arts events to attend in Taiwan?
A5.
The top film festivals and art events to attend in Taiwan are:

  • Mazu International Festival
  • Song Jiang Battle Array
  • Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival
  • Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival

Q6. How can I celebrate traditional Taiwanese holidays and cultural festivals?
A6.
To celebrate traditional Taiwanese holidays and cultural festivals, you may attend:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Lantern Festival
  • Dragon Boat Festival
  • Moon Festival | Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Jinshan Fire Fishing Festival
  • Mazu International Festival
  • Song Jiang Battle Array
  • Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival
  • Ear-shooting Festival | Mala-Ta-Ngia

Q7. What are the best places to enjoy Taiwan's unique folklore and traditional arts?
A7.
The best places to enjoy Taiwan's unique folklore and traditional arts are:

  • Pingxi
  • Yanshui
  • Taipei
  • Kaohsiung
  • Yunlin County

Q8. Are there any unique and local festivals worth attending in Taiwan?
A8.
Some unique and local festivals worth attending in Taiwan:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Lantern Festival
  • Dragon Boat Festival
  • Chinese Valentine's Day
  • Mid-Autumn Festival

Q9. What are the top technology and innovation festivals in Taiwan?
A9.
COMPUTEX is a major annual event for the global technology industry in Taipei.

Q10. How can I plan a visit to coincide with Taiwan's Dragon Boat Festival celebrations?
A10.
To coincide with Taiwan's Dragon boat festival, you must visit one of the following cities in June:

  • Taipei
  • Miaoli
  • Lukang
  • Tainan

--- Published By  Adotrip

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