The first tuna has arrived in port! The Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival kicks off on May 5

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Wei Ruiwei

 

Is it that time of year again for plump, delicious tuna?! The “first tuna” of the Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival has already entered the harbor, and the first tuna auction is expected to be held today (May 2). Moreover, the 2012 Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival will officially begin on May 5 and run for two months. This year also happens to coincide with the three-yearly Donglong Temple King Welcoming Peace Festival, as well as the Year of the Dragon. The Pingtung County Government has therefore decided to adopt “The Dragon Tours Donggang, Seven-Colored Happiness” as the theme of the event. It will introduce seven delicious aquatic products: black tuna, oilfish, red jack mackerel, maiden squid, squid, that fish, and sakura shrimp. Combining the culture of Donglong Temple and the seven local temples in Donggang, the festival also plans a series of exciting activities including a sailboat crossing to Little Liuqiu, a creative seafood cooking competition, fish fry release, and dragon boat races—offering the public a more diverse experience during the black tuna season.

Pingtung County has been hosting the Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival since 2001, and this year marks the 12th edition. Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung pointed out that the black tuna, commonly known as “black urn string,” is like a nomadic tribe of the sea, migrating to the waters near Taiwan every April and May when its meat is at its fattiest. Not only is Donggang’s black tuna delicious, but other local specialties like red jack mackerel, that fish, and sakura shrimp are also irresistible. “May is also Mother’s Day, and we welcome people from all over the country to bring their moms to Donggang to share these delicious treasures of the sea!”

 

Yin Fenglan, Director of the Department of Tourism and Communications, also mentioned that this year’s black tuna season introduces the “1, 3, 5, 7” promotional benefits, with the 7 referring to the seven delicious aquatic products. During the black tuna season, visitors who spend over NT$1,000 at any of the 25 Pingtung County-certified shops can present their receipts on Sundays at the Dapeng Bay Nanping Sailing Base to enjoy one free sailing experience per person. Those who spend over NT$3,000 can enter a draw for accommodation vouchers, with 10 prizes available—the grand prize being a presidential suite voucher at Kenting Fuhwa Hotel. Spending over NT$5,000 also qualifies participants to receive a pair of commemorative black tuna-themed fish chopsticks as a cultural souvenir.

On the evening of May 5, the opening ceremony and street carnival will kick off with a road closure at the intersection of Guangfu Road and Chenggong Road in Donggang Township. Performers such as Da Mouth, Huang Fei, Shih Wen-pin, and Miko Bai have been invited. The organizers have planned two fireworks shows, scheduled for 6:30 PM and 10:00 PM. Visitors who shop at certified stores on the opening day will receive raffle tickets, giving them a chance to win a gold tuna. The number of raffle tickets is limited, so don’t miss out.

 

From May 12 to 13, there will be a Dapeng Bay sailboat crossing to Little Liuqiu; on May 19, a creative fresh tuna cooking competition will be held at the Donggang Fish Market; on June 2, there will be a “Swimming Toward Happiness – Fish Fry Release Activity” on Little Liuqiu; and from June 22 to 23, a dragon boat race will take place on the Donggang Bridge. Additionally, Pingtung County has designed tour packages combining Donggang and Little Liuqiu, allowing visitors to not only enjoy delicious food but also explore nature, the sea, and engage in in-depth religious and cultural tours. For event details, please visit the official website of Pingtung County’s Department of Tourism and Communications or follow the “i Pingtung ~ Love Pingtung” Facebook fan page for the latest updates.

 

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