Famous festivals
While religious festivals are prominent in Taiwan, there are numerous other festivals hosted throughout the region that catch the attention of visitors. Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival, Organik Techno Festival, and Lantern Festival are among them. In fact, no matter when you visit the island, you are certain to coincide with at least one important celebration.
Every year, Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in Taiwan. The new year is celebrated in a variety of ways, beginning on the first day of the new lunar month and lasting 15 days. Every day, huge feasts, large street parades, traditional Chinese music, and dragon dancing take place, along with family gatherings and the distribution of red envelopes containing monetary gifts. This celebration is known as the "passing of the year" in China, and people celebrate the new year with high aspirations of good fortune for themselves and their families.
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Event, held annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month, is Taiwan's most famous festival and the grand conclusion to the Chinese New Year celebrations. Thousands of people from all over the world travel to Pingxi to release handcrafted fire lanterns inscribed with messages to the gods into the night sky.
Other festivals you may be interested in:
- Yenshui Fireworks Festival
- Bombing of Master Han Dan
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Zhongyuan Festival
