By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
The main lantern of the Taipei Lantern Festival, “HAPPY Dragon,” was unveiled last night in a test lighting. Designed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute team from the Dream Hall of the Taipei Expo, the entire performance features 3D animations, a dance of water and fire, water screen projections, mist scents, and full-color lasers. Interested members of the public can visit the National Father Memorial Hall from February 2 to February 12. Meanwhile, the Taipei Lantern Festival mini lantern “HAPPY Dragon” will be distributed starting at 1 PM today (31st) at designated locations across 12 administrative districts. Distribution is limited to one per person per day and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out.
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The Taipei Lantern Festival runs from February 2 to 12, with shows every evening from 7 PM to 11 PM and performances every 30 minutes. (Photo provided by Taipei City – Department of Civil Affairs)
The base of the “HAPPY Dragon” main lantern is designed for both daytime and nighttime performances, offering a visual and auditory spectacle that blends traditional lantern art with modern technology every 30 minutes. The performance follows four main themes: “The Dragon God Appears,” “Universal Celebration,” “People’s Wishes,” and “The Dragon God Bestows Blessings.” Paired with light and sound effects, it is presented throughout the 11-day duration of the 2012 Taipei Lantern Festival, with shows every evening from 7 PM to 11 PM and performances every 30 minutes. Surrounding the main lantern at the National Father Memorial Hall are a variety of colorful lantern decorations filled with strong traditional festive vibes, symbolizing continuous good fortune and blessings.
Additionally, this year’s mini lanterns will not be distributed on-site at the lantern festival as in previous years, but will instead be handed out simultaneously across 12 administrative districts. Distribution locations include: the left side of the west exit of Songshan Railway Station, A Hall of Xinyi Civic Hall, Xinxing Elementary School, Zhongshan Elementary School, the corridor next to the Daxiao Gate entrance of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (near Aiguo East Road), the atrium and corridors of Daqiao Elementary School, the first-floor cultural corridor of Wanhua Railway Station, the main entrance atrium of Muzha Elementary School, the entrance atrium of Nangang Elementary School, the atrium of Neihu Senior High School of Technology, Shilin Elementary School, and Beitou Elementary School.