The “First Tuna” Has Arrived at the Harbor ! The Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival Kicks Off on May 5

Written / Compiled and Reported by Wei Ruiwei, MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network

It’s that time of the year again for plump, delicious tuna Up ! The “First Tuna” of the Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival has entered the harbor. An auction for the “First Tuna” is scheduled to be held today (May 2), and the 2012 Pingtung Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival will officially launch on May 5 and run for two months. This year also coincides with the three-yearly King Welcoming Festival at Donglong Temple and is the Year of the Dragon. The Pingtung County Government has therefore chosen “Dragon Roams Donggang, Seven-Colored Happiness” as the theme of the event. The festival will showcase seven delicious seafood varieties—black tuna, oilfish, red snapper, virgin squid, squid, that fish, and sakura shrimp—while integrating the cultural elements of Donglong Temple and the seven local temples in Donggang. A series of exciting activities have been planned, including a windsurfing crossing to Little Liuqiu, a creative seafood cooking competition, fish fry release, and dragon boat races, offering the public a more diverse experience during the black tuna season.

The Pingtung County Government has been organizing the Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival since 2001, and this year marks the 12th edition. County Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung pointed out that the black tuna, commonly known as “Black Urn String,” is like a nomadic tribe of the sea, migrating to the waters near Taiwan every April and May when its meat is at its fattiest. Not only is the black tuna in Donggang delicious, but other seafood such as red snapper, that fish, and sakura shrimp are also incredibly tempting. “May is also Mother’s Day. We welcome people from all over the country to bring their moms to Donggang to share these delicious treasures of the sea!”

Yin Fenglan, Director of the Tourism and Communication Department, also mentioned that this year’s black tuna season introduces the “1, 3, 5, 7” promotional benefits. The 7 refers to the seven delicious seafood types. During the black tuna season, consumers who spend over NT$1,000 at any of the 25 certified stores recognized by the Pingtung County Government can, with their receipts, enjoy a free one-time windsurfing experience on Sundays at the Nanping Windsurfing Base in Dapeng Bay. Those who spend over NT$3,000 can enter a draw for accommodation vouchers, with 10 prizes available—the grand prize being a presidential suite voucher at Kenting Fuhwa Hotel. Spending over NT$5,000 also qualifies participants to receive a pair of commemorative black tuna-themed chopsticks as a cultural souvenir.

On the evening of May 5, the opening ceremony and street carnival will kick off with a road closure at the intersection of Guangfu Road and Chenggong Road in Donggang Township. Performers such as Da Mouth, Huang Fei, Shi Wenbin, and Mickey Huang have been invited. The organizers have planned two fireworks shows, which will be launched at 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Visitors who shop at certified stores on the opening day will receive raffle tickets, with a chance to win a gold tuna. The number of raffle tickets is limited, so don’t miss out.

From May 12 to 13, there will be a windsurfing crossing from Dapeng Bay to Little Liuqiu. On May 19, a creative fresh tuna cooking competition will be held at the Donggang Fish Market. On June 2, a “Swimming Toward Happiness – Fish Fry Release Event” will take place on Little Liuqiu. From June 22 to 23, dragon boat races will be held on the Donggang Bridge. Additionally, the Pingtung County Government has designed tour packages combining trips to Donggang and Little Liuqiu. In addition to enjoying delicious food, visitors can also plan a deep cultural and nature experience with mountain and seaside tours as well as religious sites. For more details on the events, please visit the official website of the Pingtung County Government Tourism and Communication Department or follow the “i Pingtung ~ Love Pingtung” Facebook fan page for the latest updates.

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