By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
The gates of the underworld open in the seventh lunar month. Though many believe this period is unsuitable for travel, for those who can’t stay still, there are actually events taking place all over Taiwan during Ghost Month. From the long-standing Ghost Festival and Pole Climbing activities to the exciting Torch Night Parades, everyone can enjoy a lively and festive Ghost Month in a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
 
● Keelung | Keelung Ghost Festival (Ji Long Zhong Yuan Jie)

The Keelung Ji Long Zhong Yuan Festival will commence with the opening of the shrine doors at Lao Da Gong Temple on the first day of the seventh lunar month (August 14 in the Gregorian calendar), officially kicking off the Ghost Festival celebrations. With 161 years of history, this year’s festival is hosted by the “Chiang Clan Association,” featuring traditional rituals, filial piety, cultural heritage, and the theme of tracing the origins of the Chiang family, presenting both the culture of the festival and a variety of exciting activities.

Throughout the event, a diverse range of “artistic performances” echo the inclusive spirit of the traditional Ghost Festival. Participating performance groups include: Korea’s Long Braided Drum Team, Japan’s Wild Samurai Taiko Group, Thailand’s South Immortal Dragon and Lion Troupe, China’s Children’s Dance Direct Express Art Troupe, and local Keelung teams such as the Woodpecker Choir, Keelung Changxing Master Lv’s Dragon and Lion Troupe, Maple Aroma Dance Troupe, Tomorrow’s Stars Dance Troupe, Desire Theater, Blossom Middle Eastern Belly Dance Troupe, and Dance Space Troupe. Also invited are Ministry of Culture-supported groups like the Heluo Opera Troupe, Golden Branch Performance Troupe, and Body Voice Theater, along with outstanding troupes from various counties and cities such as the Feng Ya Song Guzheng Ensemble, Hsinchu Hong Ru National Music Orchestra, Vocal Asia A Cappella Group, Comma Creative Theater, and Story Factory. Additionally, there will be fun-filled performances by the Huang Hao M8 Clown Troupe and Desheng Lion Troupe.
 
[info]
Keelung Ghost Festival
Event Period: 2015/08/13 – 2015/09/13
Event Location: No. 37, Lane 76, Le Yi Road, Anle District, Keelung City
 
● Chiayi / Only in Chiayi, Legendary Ghost Tales
Chiayi County’s “Only in Chiayi, Legendary Ghost Tales” kicks off on August 11 in the Gregorian calendar with the lighting ceremony of the Torch Night Parade at Guogou Jiande Temple, followed by a series of ghost-themed activities. Highlights include the “Da Shi Ye Cultural Festival” at Renxiong Dashiye Temple from September 3 to 5, as well as the highly anticipated Ghost Parade Show.
 
The ghostly event begins with the century-old “Torch Night Parade” tradition of Guogou Jiande Temple. In addition to the “Torch Night Parade” and “Welcoming the Dashiye” folk activities, four major themed events are offered: “Mud Grab the Ghosts for 500 NT,” “Cosplay Ghost Fun,” “Divination and Ice Ticket Drawing,” and “Ghost Parade Fun.” The site also features “Great Sedan Chair Experience for Peace,” an “Original Ghost-Themed Board Game,” along with exciting live performances. Breaking away from traditional carnival formats, the event adds fun to the seventh lunar month and creates Chiayi County’s very own Halloween.
 
● Pingtung | 2015Hengchun Ancient City International Pole Climbing Tourism & Cultural Event

Every year on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Ghost Festival, Hengchun holds a pole climbing competition. Locals form teams to climb greased wooden poles topped with a platform. Other surrounding activities include the Pole Climbing Competition and traditional performance parades.

The “2015 Hengchun Ancient City International Pole Climbing Tourism & Cultural Event” will focus on the traditional Pole Climbing and competition culture, complemented by a three-day Ghost Festival prayer ceremony, a vibrant evening gala and fireworks show, as well as promotional activities including local agricultural product exhibitions and a gathering of Taiwan’s finest foods.
 
[info]
2015 Hengchun Ancient City International Pole Climbing Tourism & Cultural Event
Event Time: 2015/08/28

Event Location: Dongmen Pole Climbing Venue, Hengchun Town (Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, at the intersection of Hengbei Road and Hengdong Road)

● Yilan / Toucheng Pole Climbing Competition

Originating in the Qing Dynasty, after the Ghost Festival prayers, the offerings were made available for the public to compete for—or some say it was to scare away lingering spirits—this event is called “Pole Climbing.” The Toucheng Pole Climbing Competition is the largest of its kind in Taiwan and is also one of Yilan County’s important traditional folk events in the seventh lunar month. Participating teams must stack themselves to climb greased poles and stacks, and any food sliced off during the climb is dropped for the crowd below to grab. The winning team is the one that retrieves the wind-flag at the top of the stack.