The Banana Culture Festival in Qishan, featuring the "Bamboo Pole Banana Carry" and "Banana Strongmen," kicks off on August 11

By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

The golden, sweet bananas of Qishan in Kaohsiung have not only brought decades of economic prosperity to the area but also enriched it with a rich cultural heritage. To celebrate this, the Qishan District will hold a series of activities for the Banana Culture Festival from August 11 to 12. In addition to a performance by the “Taiwan Youth Banana” band on the evening of the 11th, the program includes a walking event, guided tours of the historic street, competitions such as Banana Strongman, Banana Water Maiden, and a fancy dress contest for the Banana City Show. There will also be exhibitions on banana-related artifacts and sales of agricultural products from nine districts in Qimei. All related activities and guided tours are free to join.

The “2012 Banana Culture Festival ~ Fun in Banana City” series of events will take place from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on August 11, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on August 12. On the evening of the 11th, a concert in Banana City will feature performances by the local “Taiwan Youth Banana” band and community performance groups, along with a lucky draw. On the morning of the 12th, a 3.5-kilometer walking event will guide visitors through the scenic mountain trails of Gushan Park. The walk is limited to 350–400 participants, and registration is open from now until August 10.

The Banana Strongman and Banana Water Maiden selection events, which will take place on August 12, are open for registration until August 10. The winners of each competition will receive a cash prize of NT$5,000. The Banana Strongman contest will involve traditional banana farmers’ methods of carrying bananas on bamboo poles, giving participants a taste of the hard work of early banana farmers. The fancy dress contest, also scheduled for August 12, is open for registration until August 6. Any creative cultural product themed around “banana imagery” is eligible to enter, and the winner will also receive a NT$5,000 prize.

In addition, during the event period, there will be fun competitions such as land-based banana boat races, free blood pressure check-ups, and a Q&A quiz. For more details, visit the Qishan District Office website at www.chishan.gov.tw/style/front001/bexfront.php.

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