Bikinis and thongs – Douliu Samba Carnival shakes it up on the 26th

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan has its own passionate samba carnival too. The Xizhou Community Samba Carnival Parade in Douliu City kicks off on April 26. Organizers say over 200 community residents will take part, with women wearing bikinis and men in thongs, all shaking their hips to the rhythm. In addition, international performance troupes from the United States, Canada, and Scotland will also hit the streets to join in the fun.

▲ The Douliu Xizhou Community Samba Carnival is in its fourth consecutive year, with residents dancing samba passionately in bikinis. (Photo / fromthe Facebook fan page of Yunlin County Douliu City Xizhou Community Development Association, showing the 2012 event)

This year marks the fourth edition of the Xizhou Community Samba Carnival. Organizers say that as the area has a simple and traditional local culture, many residents were initially unable to accept samba dancing. However, after continuous promotion, now people of all genders and ages—from 6 to 60—can get into the groove. Even the local Xizhou Elementary School has formed a samba drum team to join in the celebration.

Organizers remind the public that the event starts at 4 p.m. on Minsheng South Road in Douliu City. There will be samba drum performances, samba girls’ dances, stilt walking acts, and more. In addition to watching, members of the public can also join in at any time and dance with enthusiasm.