Thousands gather to make glutinous rice balls at New Taipei City’s Zhonghe Taro Ball Festival

During the 2012 New Taipei City Taro Ball Festival, a giant pot with a diameter of 2 meters was used to cook taro balls, creating a spectacular sight. (Photo / Sourced from the New Taipei City Tourism Website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As winter approaches, the Zhonghe District Office of New Taipei City is hosting the “Zhonghe Hospitality & Reunion Joy – 102nd New Taipei City Zhonghe District Taro Ball Festival” on Sunday, November 17th at 10 AM at Zhonghe District’s Jinhe Sports Park. The event will feature a thousand-person glutinous rice ball making competition, a carnival, challenge games, Hakka cuisine, Hakka cultural performances, and a concert by the Northern Indigenous Cats.

Glutinous rice balls symbolize completeness and reunion, which is why they are an essential treat during Hakka weddings and festive celebrations. Thus, a thousand-person glutinous rice ball making competition has been designed. On the day of the event, starting at 10 AM, residents of Zhonghe District will come together to enjoy the “Thousand-Person Taro Ball Making” experience, allowing families to have fun making glutinous rice balls together. In addition to hands-on participation, free Hakka-style taro balls will be given out at the event (limited quantity, while supplies last), giving people of all backgrounds a chance to taste the deliciousness of Hakka taro balls. Furthermore, a “Parent-Child Taro Ball Making” contest will be held at 1 PM, with parent-child teams participating from New Taipei City’s Hakka community and new immigrant groups. The contest aims to enhance family interaction and promote multicultural integration. A carnival and various challenge games will also be available for the public to enjoy.