Longtan Hakka Carnival: Flower-Cloth Samba Swing and Dance Together

Article by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

Compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin. The diligent culture of the Hakka people has gradually gained attention in recent years, with related events being held one after another, primarily in the Taoyuan-Zhubei-Miaoli area where the Hakka population is most concentrated. The Longtan Township Office in Taoyuan County will hold the "2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival" on this Saturday (the 26th). Participants will set off from the large pond in Longtan Township, dressed in gorgeous and vibrant costumes, including carnival outfits incorporating Hakka floral fabrics, showcasing a passionate side of the Hakka people unlike ever before.

The street parade of the "2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival," organized by the Longtan Township Office, has entered its third year. This year’s event will take place from 15:30 to 17:30 on Saturday, May 26, by the Longtan Pond. On the day of the event, local elementary and middle school students will form samba drum teams, while the Hakka Culture and Art Troupe will feature a Hakka uncle float, Hakka spicy girls, and grandma puppets, performing along the street to the rhythm of lively samba drums. This year’s parade route will start from Longtan Pond and pass through Longyuan Road, Donglong Road, Beilong Road, and Zhongzheng Road.

Taoyuan County’s Longtan Township is named after the large pond within its boundaries. The pond covers an area of about 45,000 pyeong and was formerly called Lingtanpi. It is said that there is a white stone in the spring cave; whenever the water level drops and the white stone is exposed, it will rain soon afterward. Even during droughts, the water level in the pond remains relatively stable. In times of prolonged drought, praying for rain by the pond would bring rainfall from the heavens, which is why the area was called Lingtanpi. Since the Minnan pronunciation of "ling" (spirit) is similar to "long" (dragon), Lingtan is also called Longtan.

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