The Harvest Festival of the Indigenous Peoples in Pingtung Kicks Off Today – Enjoy the Celebrations for Three Consecutive Days

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Harvest Festival events in eight indigenous townships across Pingtung County kicked off on the 13th in Majia Township, following traditional tribal ceremonies. Pingtung County Magistrate Pan Meng-an specially attended the event wearing a traditional Paiwan outfit in the morning and joined the locals in the thousand-person celebration dance, experiencing together what has been the most magnificent Harvest Festival in the township since its retrocession.


▲ Indigenous Township Harvest Festival. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

The Harvest Festival and Sports Games in Majia Township will be held for three consecutive days starting from the 13th at Beiyeh Elementary School. The township office has specially themed this year’s event as “Gratitude 60. Happy Majia,” showcasing a Harvest Festival unlike any before. On the 11th, Township Chief Liang Ming-hui led 30 elite warriors to ascend Qiyen Mountain, the sacred birthplace of the Paiwan people, where they lit torches using the traditional method of fire-drilling. A prayer and ancestor worship ceremony passed the sacred flame to each tribe, kicking off the festivities.

On the morning of the 13th, the official Harvest Festival opening ceremony was held. With traditional rituals including sending messages, praying for blessings, gun salutes, and drumbeats, the sacred flame was lit. Nearly all members of the six tribal villages in the township mobilized, dressing up for the joyous occasion as they paraded around the venue. Each tribe also presented their bountiful harvest offerings at the main event site, sharing happiness and giving thanks to the heavens.

In the evening, the township office hosted a Sports Night, featuring performances by the top three groups from the Second Original Music Competition, Paiwan soul diva RIS, Golden Melody Award-winning singer Lin Guang-cai, as well as performances of traditional children’s songs and warrior dances by students from local elementary schools. On the 14th and 15th, various competitions will continue, including track and field events, national defense sports, and folk art activities.