The Ghost Lantern Festival of Keelung’s Zhongyuan Festival kicks off with the grand Water Lantern Parade — opening with Shi Gu (Ten Drums) performance and the adorable Mushroom mascot riding a float!

▲The 2015 Keelung Zhongyuan Festival Water Lantern Parade commenced on the evening of the 27th, opened by the “Shi Gu” band. (Photo / Screenshot fromMayor Lin You-chang’s UChange Facebook page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The 161-year-old“Keelung Zhongyuan Festival”highlighted by the Water Lantern Parade, grandly kicked off on the streets of Keelung on the evening of the 27th. Since the opening of the shrine doors on the first day of the seventh lunar month, a series of ceremonial rituals have been held, culminating tonight in a spectacular climax. Clan associations and local groups spared no effort, deploying all kinds of ceremonial troupes, floats, and performance teams, creating a jubilant atmosphere that lasted into the late night. The event concluded with the release of water lanterns at Wanghai Lane, making it one of Taiwan’s most culturally captivating traditional celebrations.

The Keelung Zhongyuan Festival is one of the nation’s 12 major festivals, and the Water Lantern Parade continues to attract both domestic and international visitors year after year. This year, the parade was led by the Jiang clan association as the main presiding group, featuring six electric floats themed around the Ocean Capital, historical stories related to the Jiang family, “Three Rams Bring Prosperity” celebrating Zhongyuan, and “Flying Dragon Soaring Over Keelung,” adding extra excitement to this year’s procession.

At 6:30 p.m., the internationally acclaimed “Shi Gu” team along with the “Keelung Girls’ Senior High School 100-Person Marching Band” and other top-tier domestic and international acts opened the show. This was followed by fireworks, water-spraying boats, and harbor vessels sounding their horns in unison, while the “City Police Heavy Motorcycle Unit” led the way, marking the official start of the parade. The entire city buzzed with excitement, with an outpouring of crowds. Lighted floats, decorative floats, and ceremonial troupes paraded one after another in a dazzling display.

▲A special guest of the Keelung Zhongyuan Festival — “Mushroom.” (Photo / Provided by Keelung City Cultural Affairs Bureau)

The Zhongyuan Festival is not only about century-old rituals but this year also features a special appearance by the popular mobile game character“Kinoko” (Mushroom)from Japan’s hit game “Touch Detective: Kinoko Cultivation Lab.” In addition to making appearances at various scenic spots across Keelung during the festival, visitors who spot “Kinoko” can upload photos to Facebook for a chance to win a Polaroid photo. On the afternoon of the 27th, Kinoko also showed up at the Keelung Railway Station Visitor Center, dancing to music and greeting visitors. The mascot invited everyone to join the parade and encouraged them to spot Kinoko on one of the floats — as the character also appeared on the Keelung City Government’s themed float, becoming one of the most eye-catching highlights of the Zhongyuan Festival procession.

For details on the various events, please search for the 【Keelung Zhongyuan Festival】Facebook fan page or visit theKeelung City Cultural Affairs Bureau official websitefor more information.