The Lishan Art Festival's "Santa Claus Is Coming" 3D Light Sculpture Show Premieres on Christmas Eve

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

The annual Taichung "Lishan Art Festival" will take place from December 24 to 28. This year, the event is themed around "light art." In addition to a dazzling Starlight Boulevard, a 3D light sculpture show will be held at Lishan Church, bringing the popular 3D light projection architecture technology currently making waves at Taichung Prefectural Hall to Lishan. This will mark the first-ever light snowfall in the region, as all performances at the opening gala on December 24 will feature elements of light. Everyone is welcome to visit Lishan and celebrate a unique Christmas Eve.

Through the organization of the Lishan Art Festival, the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau brings resources to Lishan and shares a rich array of cultural and artistic activities. This year, to offer residents and visitors of the Lishan area a unique artistic experience, the bureau has chosen "light art" as the main theme of the event. A five-day festival titled "Light Visits Lishan – 2013 Lishan Art Festival" has been planned. In addition to various performances centered around the theme of light, the 10-minute-long "Santa Claus Is Coming" 3D light sculpture show will ascend the mountain on Christmas Eve, December 24, transforming Lishan Church into a canvas. With the interplay of light and shadow, it will depict the changing beauty of Lishan’s four seasons, telling the story of the region to the world.

 

To allow students, residents, and visitors traveling from afar in the Lishan area to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has organized a feast of light from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Lishan Church. The evening will begin with an interethnic Christmas dinner at 5:30 PM, kicking off the event. Through sharing food regardless of ethnicity or background, a genuine cultural experience will be offered. Santa Claus, arriving by sleigh, will also interact with the public inside the church in a lively tone and manner, sharing stories and joy.

 

At 6:30 PM, the "Glorious Christmas – Fluorescent Opening Gala" will officially commence. Like magic dust sprinkled by Santa Claus, all performing groups will interpret their acts closely tied to the theme of "light." Each attendee will receive a glow stick to join in the fun and liven up the atmosphere. On stage, the Weijin Dragon Lion Martial Arts War Drum Group from downtown Taichung and street performers Fire Major Club will compete in showmanship with the Lishan National Elementary and Middle School, Pingdeng Elementary School, Lishan Drum Team, and Zigeili Band. A 7-meter-tall Light Christmas Tree and the 3D light sculpture show will also be unveiled.

 

With Lishan Church as the backdrop, the much-anticipated "Santa Claus Is Coming" 3D light sculpture show, designed and planned over several months by the production team and through on-site surveys, will use the interplay of light and architecture to bring the region’s first light snowfall to Lishan Church. The 10-minute light sculpture show begins with the migration journey of the Atayal people, with memories of the old buildings layering into Lishan’s serene mountain scenery. Through a series of light changes, the church transforms into Santa Claus from Western mythology, bringing hope and blessings. It allows both local residents and visitors to see Lishan’s past, present, and future.

 

Beyond Lishan Church, a Starlight Boulevard adorned with lights and built with elements of Atayal culture under the leadership of indigenous artist Chang You-wen and his tribal community features street performers such as a Magic Castle, variety acts, and living statues. A series of performances that dance with light and the festive sounds of song and dance will enliven the usually tranquil nights of Lishan. At the end of the boulevard, a Lishan Tea Teddy Bear stands at the entrance of Lishan National Elementary and Middle School, while a Teddy Bear of an Atayal Warrior greets visitors at the entrance of Lishan Hotel. Additionally, school corridor paintings created as part of the festival’s warm-up activity have been brought to life under the brush of artist Liao Ben-sheng.

 

After the opening gala on December 24, the 3D light sculpture show will continue to be screened daily at 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:30 PM from December 25 to 28. The dreamlike evening banquet under the stars, the Starlight Boulevard, and the Light Christmas Tree will remain to continue illuminating Lishan, showcasing the region’s radiant beauty from within.

 

 

●   Extended Reading:

December’s Warm Exclusive: Christmas Tree Collection Part 2

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