Taipei Lantern Festival lanterns unveiled; free mini lanterns to be distributed across 12 districts starting Jan. 31

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The Taipei Lantern Festival will be held this year (2012) from February 2 to February 12 at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Taipei Citizens’ Square. Today, the Taipei City Government unveiled the mini lanterns to be distributed during the festival—the “Happy Dragon.” To make it more convenient for the public to get their lanterns, the distribution method has changed from previous years when they were handed out at the festival site. For the first time, the mini lanterns will be distributed simultaneously across 12 administrative districts in Taipei. The number of lanterns available in each district is allocated proportionally based on population. Distribution begins at 1 p.m. on January 31, and is limited to one per person. Please note that mini lanterns will not be handed out at the festival venue this year.

This year is the Year of the Dragon. The theme of the 2012 Taipei Lantern Festival is “Prosperity of the Auspicious Dragon,” with the overall visual design created by blogger and artist Wanwan. The “Happy Dragon” mini lantern is designed in a cartoon style, featuring flowing patterns reminiscent of wind and water, conveying a sense of smooth and auspicious clouds. It symbolizes favorable weather and peace. Additionally, yellow highlights are used to emphasize the dragon rising with the sun in the east, while the dragon ball and bats represent blessings, embodying the concept of “Dragon’s Radiance Brings Fortune.”

The 12 Taipei districts where mini lanterns will be distributed are as follows: the west exit of Songshan Railway Station (Songshan District), Xinyi Civic Hall Building A (Xinyi District), Xinsheng Elementary School (Da’an District), Zhongshan Elementary School (Zhongshan District), the main entrance of the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Zhongzheng District), the hallway and corridors of Daqiao Elementary School (Datong District), the first-floor arts and culture corridor of Wanhua Railway Station (Wanhua District), the main entrance hallway of Muzha Elementary School (Wenshan District), the entrance hallway of Nangang Elementary School (Nangang District), Neihu Senior Industrial Vocational High School (Neihu District), Shilin Elementary School (Shilin District), and Beitou Elementary School (Beitou District).