Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in Chinese culture. Celebrations are held throughout the holiday in Taiwan but by the Lantern Festival, the last day of Chinese New Year, it all gets ratcheted up a few more notches with fiery lanterns, noisy firecrackers and mouthwatering food.
While the Lantern Festival is the most popular way to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year, Taiwan also has several other folk festivals that coincide with and are part of the Chinese New Year celebration. All are open to the public and free.
Northern Taiwan
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- Taipei City Lantern Festival
The annual Taipei City Lantern Festival features lanterns of all shapes and sizes. - Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Between 100,000-200,000 paper lanterns are launched into the infinite night sky, creating an unforgettable sight.
Central Taiwan
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- Bombing the Dragon
During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons.
Southern Taiwan
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- Beehive Rocket Festival
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. - Bombing Master Handan
In Taitung in Southern Taiwan, the locals celebrate the Lantern Festival by throwing firecrackers at Master Handan, a shirtless man.
