Ghost Festival

Another most famous festival in Taiwan is Ghost festival. It is said that on the first day of the seventh lunar month, the gates of Hell open wide releasing the spirits kept inside into the living world for a month of respite. But fear not, Taiwanese people accommodate these spirits by preparing lavish sacrifices, burning paper money, and performing epic Taiwanese operas. In Keelung, there is a spectacular three-day ceremony for the spirits involving a procession, the release of water lanterns, and Taoist priests performing the Ghost god dance.

Since this is a tribute to all the spirits in the area, temples will typically hold large gatherings allowing everyone to place their tributes on tables. Then, a Taoist or Buddhist priest (depending on the temple) will chant a mantra and invite the spirits to feast.

Where: Keelung City

When: Lunar July