Explore Taitung in Depth: Aboriginal Harvest Festivals and Millet Ceremonies to Kick Off in July

▲ Taitung, rich in indigenous cultural heritage, will see its Harvest Festivals come alive this week. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

Those who have visited eastern Taiwan must have admired the beauty of its mountains and coastline, but even more precious is the “cultural essence” of its indigenous peoples. Every summer vacation not only marks the peak tourist season but also the time when Taitung County’s indigenous tribes hold their Harvest Festivals. This year, there will be a total of 113 events, and the Taitung County Government is extending a warm official invitation to people from all over the country to come and experience them.

The Taitung Aboriginal Harvest Festival will kick off first on July 4 at the “Babongbong Tribe” in Chenggong Township, with other festivals following one after another through to September 9, totaling 113 events. In addition to the Harvest Festival, the Paiwan “Millet Festival,” as well as the “Harvest Ceremony” of the Rukai and Paiwan peoples, will also be celebrated with great fanfare.

The Taitung County Government stated that different tribes may have specific taboos during their ceremonies, and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these beforehand. In coordination with the indigenous groups holding their Harvest Festival celebrations, the county government has planned travel packages, cultural experience summer camps, and whale-watching tours, aiming to boost Taitung’s tourism during the summer holiday season. For more details, please visit the Taitung County Government’s Aboriginal Affairs website.