Taiwan Festivals

Taiwan people share the same Chinese traditional festivals with the people in Chinese mainland. Besides, due to the differences of regions and historical background, Taiwan has its own characteristic feast days like Restoration Day and Goddess Mazu's Birthday. And most Gaoshan people inhabit in Taiwan, so the festivals belonging to this minority group are also one part of the local highlights. If you want a Taiwan trip, you may go there at these galas for more chances to get in touch with Chinese culture.

 Taiwan Restoration Day
It is celebrated on October 25th each year to commemorate the independence of Taiwan from Japanese colonial rule (The independent date is October 25th, 1945).

 Goddess Mazu's Birthday
Mazu is the most admirable goddess in Taiwan people's heart. Wherever you are, the Mazu Temple can be seen. The sacrifice activities relating to Mazu are so various, such as the celebration of Mazu's birthday, burning incense and the welcoming ceremony of Mazu's coming.

Divinities have their own birthdays. Mazu's birthday is March 23rd of the Lunar Calendar. All the sacrifice activities are staged around this day. Burning incense takes place ahead of her birthday in order to call back Mazu's spirit. Almost all villages have their own Mazu and each Mazu dominates its own village. On Mazu's birthday, the villagers take the hostess Mazu to get around in the village to pray for security. Sometimes, the villagers invite another Mazu to come to their village. This Mazu is a guest Mazu. The host and guest Mazus join the patrol together.

 Dragon Boat Festival
In China, Dragon Boat Festival, also called Duanwu, is celebrated in many cities, especially in South China. In Taiwan, the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as Dragon Boat Festival are the three most ceremonious traditional events. The Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Day, needless to say, are shared by all Chinese people. At these two happy events, no matter where you are, as long as you are in China, you must feel a very harmonious and alive happy atmosphere. Well, as for the Dragon Boat Festival, Taiwan people would make the happy atmosphere reach the climax. In the week ahead, the ordinary citizens, state organs, organizations and enterprises start to prepare various activities. They make Zongzi (a kind of snack made of glutinous rice) and do exercise for joining the dragon boat race. On the Jilong River, dragon boat race is held for three days very busily. The mayor guides a group of boat racers to participate in the competition personally.

 Harvest Festival
As a minority group, the Gaoshan people in Taiwan have their own harvest festival. In October of each year, the Paiwan tribe of the Gaoshan nationality celebrates the very ceremonious harvest event. The passionate Paiwan people will invite many guests to join them and share their good-quality wine and tasty food with friends and guests.