Named for the appearance and sound of the thousands of fireworks lit during this festival, the Beehive Rocket Festival in Yanshui in southern Taiwan is not for the faint of heart. During the festival, temporary wooden and iron walls that look like honeycombs are stuffed with bottle rockets that are simultaneously lit causing deafening explosions.
The Beehive Rocket Festival originates with a cholera outbreak that began in 1875 and nearly wiped out the population during the two decades it ravaged the land. The survivors prayed to goddess Guan Yin to come and see the land. On the day of the Lantern Festival, the townspeople prayed to Kuan Kung, the god of war, and other deities to come see the land.
The residents lined the route with fires and firecrackers so the gods could find their way and also to ward off evil spirits. This wiped out the disease, so every year, the people of Yanshui invite Kuan Kung back to inspect the land.
The Beehive Rocket Festival begins at sunset when a palanquin with the god Kuan Kung is driven throughout the town. Every time the procession approaches a wall of fireworks, it is ignited, releasing tens of thousands of fireworks that create a deafening roar. The festival continues until 6am the next day. Those who visit the festival are advised to wear a helmet and other protective clothing to shield themselves from the fireworks.
