The April Snow of Spring: Hakka Tung Blossom Festival Opens on April 21

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The 2013 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival runs from now until May 12, with the theme “Tung Blossoms in Joyful Dance – A Springtime Journey to Hakka Villages.” The opening ceremony will be held on April 21 at Shangri-La Amusement Park in Zaobridge, Miaoli, starting with a grand heaven-worshipping ritual at 10:40 a.m., followed by the inaugural “Tung Blossom Joy Parade” from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. This year’s program includes photography, reading, cultural creativity, and hands-on activities. The main stage performances from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. feature a variety of music, dance, bands, and sing-and-dance acts, bringing everyone together to celebrate the most lively “2013 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival Carnival”!

The “Tung Blossom Joy Parade” from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. on the day of the event is a first for this year. It features many professional performance groups presenting themes such as the Tung Blossom Marching Band, Tung Blossom Square Lion, Graceful Flower Butterflies, Hakka Heritage, and Tung Blossom Fun. The parade includes creatively designed colorful floats, super-cute Tung Blossom mascots, and eye-catching inflatable balloons. The public is also invited to join in the fun with creative costume transformations.

 

The main stage performances from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. include a new Tung Blossom dance created by renowned dance instructor Lan Bo, getting everyone moving with the blossoms; the internationally acclaimed “Taipei Extreme Drummers” showcasing their exceptional drumming skills; the well-known tap dance troupe “Dance Factory” presenting a cross-genre new take on Hakka tap dancing; the pride of Hakka culture “Jasmine Qi” performing heartfelt love ballads; the outstanding Hakka cultural group “Meijiang Dance Troupe,” combining Hakka comics with dance in a creative performance; as well as Hakka rock from “Dongdong Band,” the vibrant “Kiribati South Seas Dance Troupe,” Taiwanese Hakka jazz diva “Gwun Lingzhi,” and the “MOMO Family idols Milk Brother and Tongtong Sister” leading sing-and-dance fun. With a diverse lineup of music, dance, bands, and performances, everyone is invited to celebrate the liveliest 2013 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival Carnival. On the day of the event, 2,200 Tung Blossom souvenir mugs will be given out. Queue for exchange vouchers starting at 11:00 a.m., with redemption beginning at 4:00 p.m.

 

Additionally, free shuttle bus services will be available on the day of the opening ceremony from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including three routes: “Zaobridge Railway Station – Shangri-La Amusement Park in Miaoli,” “Zaobridge Railway Station – Houlong HSR Planned Site – Shangri-La Amusement Park in Miaoli,” and “Zhunan Railway Station – Shangri-La Amusement Park in Miaoli.” Outbound services run from 8:00 to 3:00 p.m., and return services from 8:00 to 6:00 p.m., with buses departing every 20–30 minutes. Buses will pick up and drop off along the route on a “flag down” basis to bring attendees to the festival venue.

 

 

● Read more: Tung Blossoms Arrive Early – Take a Colorful Train to Enjoy the Blossoms in Hakka Villages

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