When it comes to festivals, Taiwan knows how to throw a party. Whether you want colorful parades, food marathons, or cultural traditions, this island has it all. Taiwan’s festivals blend history, folklore, and plenty of fun. Each event brings locals and visitors together for a memorable experience.
Here are some of the top festivals and seasonal events in Taiwan that you should definitely not miss!
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year in Taiwan is a big deal. This holiday marks the start of the lunar calendar and usually falls between January and February. It’s the most important traditional event of the year.
Families gather for feasts, firecrackers go off, and temples are packed with worshippers. You’ll also see red lanterns everywhere since red is a symbol of good luck. Don’t be surprised if locals hand you red envelopes filled with cash—it’s a common gesture during this time for bringing good fortune.
If you find yourself in Taipei, head to Dihua Street. It transforms into a buzzing market offering sweets, nuts, and decorations for the holiday. Shops stay open late and streets are lively with banter and excitement.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, which usually falls in February or early March. The best spot to attend is Pingxi, a small village near Taipei.
This festival is a magical experience. Thousands of people gather to release paper lanterns with their wishes written on them. As night falls, lanterns light up the sky, drifting slowly into the distance. Each glowing lantern symbolizes peace, hopes, and dreams for the upcoming year.
It’s one of the most picturesque sights in Taiwan. The event draws both locals and tourists, so be ready for crowds. Try to secure your lantern early—pre-ordering tickets is a good idea!
Taipei Lantern Festival
Running at the same time as the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is the Taipei Lantern Festival. This event takes place in various parts of the capital.
Instead of lanterns floating in the sky, you’ll see park spaces filled with giant glowing lanterns shaped like animals, zodiac signs, and storybook creatures. The lantern designs get incredibly creative, making it a fun night out for anyone. Music, street performances, and tasty food stalls add even more energy to this already festive atmosphere.
This is a great event for families and offers a more accessible option if you can’t make the trip to Pingxi.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival falls in either May or June, depending on the lunar calendar. Across Taiwan, rivers, lakes, and harbors host competitive dragon boat races.
The festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan, who threw himself into a river as a protest after being exiled by the king. Locals raced out on boats to save him. The story may be somber, but the atmosphere today is anything but!
Races are fast-paced, colorful, and exciting to watch. Teams paddle long, narrow boats that are detailed with dragon heads and tails. The sound of drums keeps the rhythm to help rowers stay in sync during the race.
While you’re here, make sure to try some zongzi—sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. These tasty treats are traditionally eaten during the festival.
Mazu Pilgrimage
The Mazu Pilgrimage is one of Taiwan’s biggest religious festivals. Mazu is the goddess of the sea, and she’s a beloved figure in Taiwanese folk beliefs. The pilgrimage route stretches over 300 kilometers, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees every year. The event usually happens in April.
Temples along the pilgrimage route provide food, shelter, and other hospitality. The highlight is the processions where a statue of Mazu is carried through the streets. Firecrackers, gongs, and drums accompany the statue as it moves from village to village. Locals perform traditional dances and plays to celebrate her arrival.
If you join the pilgrimage, you’ll witness true devotion in action. Travelers are welcome to walk part of the journey or simply enjoy the lively events.
Ghost Festival
Don’t confuse this with Halloween! Taiwan’s Ghost Festival, taking place in August based on the lunar calendar, has roots in Taoist and Buddhist traditions. It’s believed that during the seventh month on the lunar calendar, the gates of the underworld open, and spirits come to visit the living.
During this time, many temples offer food, incense, and joss paper (fake money) to appease both gods and ghosts. Colorful puppet shows and operas perform traditional stories to entertain both the living and the spirits.
The eerie yet vibrant atmosphere at temples and on streets during Ghost Festival is something completely unique to Taiwan. Day and night, you can see rituals, parades, and performances happening in cities and small towns.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
The Mid-Autumn Festival, usually falling in September or October, is one of Taiwan’s most relaxing and food-filled celebrations. It’s a time for friends and family to gather, eat mooncakes, and admire the full moon.
Barbeques are a big part of the festival. You’ll see parks, streets, and homes decked out with portable grills, and the smoky scent of skewers, sausages, and seafood fills the air as people cook outdoors.
It’s also tradition to eat pomelos (a type of citrus fruit) during this holiday. Kids often turn the fruit’s rind into makeshift hats, adding a playful touch to the celebration. Some public parks even offer free moon-gazing activities and food stalls where you can try different mooncakes and snacks.
Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival
Calling all foodies! This one’s for you. Beef noodles are a beloved dish in Taiwan, and the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, typically held in November, is where noodle masters show off their skills.
This festival is all about finding the best beef noodle soup in the country—and sampling the dishes is the highlight for visitors. Various vendors compete to create the most flavorful, tender beef and broth combination.
It’s a fun event where you can try different variations of beef noodle soup. And yes, you can taste everything from light brothy versions to rich, spicy bowls packed with deep flavors.
Taiwan Lantern Festival
The Taiwan Lantern Festival is a bit different from the Taipei Lantern Festival. It’s a countrywide celebration that takes place on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, but the location changes every year to highlight different cities.
The main location offers extravagant and artistic lantern presentations that often depict major themes from Taiwan’s folklore and culture. Expect large-scale installations, shows, and performances to accompany the visual displays.
This event is fantastic if you’re looking for an immersive experience. The festival also provides interactive light shows and performances at different times throughout the night.
Spring Scream Music Festival
If you love music, then Spring Scream is for you. Held in Kenting, this festival kicks off in early April and is Taiwan’s largest outdoor music festival.
Spring Scream has a history of bringing together both local and international acts. It features everything from indie rock to electronic music. The event is perfect for beach vibes, dancing, and live performances.
In addition to music, the venue usually includes art exhibitions, street food stands, and activities for festival-goers. So, whether you’re looking for live tunes or want to explore the art scene, this festival has plenty to offer.
Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
If the regular Mazu Pilgrimage wasn’t enough, there’s also the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Usually held in April, it has the same religious focus but with a more intense crowd.
The Dajia pilgrimage starts at the Zhenlan Temple in Taichung and covers over 300 kilometers. Tens of thousands of people walk the nine-day route, passing smaller temples and villages. Fireworks, dragon dances, and traditional shows are held at each stop.
This is the time to truly immerse yourself in Taiwan’s folk culture, surrounded by devoted participants and curious travelers alike.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s festivals and seasonal events offer a unique insight into the island’s rich traditions, food, and music. Whether you’re watching lanterns light up the sky or tasting the best beef noodles in Taipei, Taiwan’s festivals guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to plan your trip around these events to get the most out of your visit!
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