By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
Reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin: The diligent culture of the Hakka people has gradually gained attention in recent years, with related events being held one after another, mainly in the Taoyuan-Zhubei-Miaoli region where the Hakka population is the highest. The Longtan Township Office in Taoyuan County will hold the “2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival” this Saturday (the 26th). Participants will set off from the large pond in Longtan Township, dressed in gorgeous and passionate costumes, including carnival outfits incorporating Hakka floral fabrics, showcasing a side of the Hakka people’s enthusiasm that is different from the past.
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Hakka floral cloth combined with elaborate carnival attire presents Hakka village culture in a more diverse way. (Photo provided by Longtan Township Office)
The street parade of the “2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival,” organized by the Longtan Township Office, has entered its third year. This year’s event will take place from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, May 26th, at the lakeside of Longtan Pond. On the day of the event, samba drum teams composed of local elementary and middle school students will perform, along with the Hakka cultural art troupe’s Hakka uncle float, spicy Hakka girls, and grandma puppets, all dancing to the rhythm of lively samba drums. This year’s parade route will start from Longtan Pond and pass through Longyuan Road, Donglong Road, Beilong Road, and Zhongzheng Road.
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Longtan Pond is a well-known local landmark and has also been the venue for events such as the fireworks festival. (Photo provided by Longtan Township Office)
Taoyuan County’s Longtan Township gets its name from a large pond within the township. The pond covers an area of about 45,000 pyeong and was formerly known as Lingtanpi. It is said that there is a white stone in the spring cave; whenever the water level drops and the white stone becomes visible, it won’t be long before it rains. Even during droughts, the water level in the pond remains relatively stable. In times of prolonged drought, praying for rain by the pond would bring rainfall from the heavens, hence the place was called Lingtanpi. Since the Minnan pronunciation of "ling" (spirit) is similar to "long" (dragon), Lingtan is also called Longtan.
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