Twin Main Lights, Twin Dogs: Central Taiwan Lantern Festival Welcomes Japanese Nebuta Lanterns for the First Time

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported

The 2018 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held simultaneously at Taichung Park and the Harbor Art Center from February 24 to March 11. Taichung and Qingshui will each feature main lanterns standing 12 meters and 11 meters tall respectively. Taichung Park’s lantern is designed as a “Male Dog Gazing into the Distance,” while the Harbor Art Center’s features a “Female Dog Protecting”—themed display. Every evening from 7:00 to 11:00, there will be a “Joyfully Welcoming Fortune” main lantern show on the hour. In addition to vibrant lighting effects, the show also incorporates floral smoke for a multi-sensory experience.

This year, the festival has specially invited Japan’s 5-meter-tall fan-shaped “Nebuta Lantern” from Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, to make its first appearance in Taichung. Additionally, 3,000 smaller Nebuta lanterns will be given out at 7:15 PM on February 25 at Taichung Park, inviting everyone to attend the Nebuta Festival in Hirakawa City. Throughout the event period, in addition to a rich array of lantern displays and illuminated environments, both lantern zones will host performances by traditional performing arts groups from Aomori Prefecture, Komagane City, and Tottori Prefecture during the opening gala on February 24 and the Lantern Festival Gala on March 2, fostering cultural exchange between Taichung and Japan’s traditional folk culture.

The 2018 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival features main lanterns designed in the shape of “Taiwan Dogs,” with themes of “Male Dog Gazing into the Distance—Prosperity for Central Taiwan” and “Female Dog Protecting—Auspicious Prosperity for the Flower City,” creating two lantern zones that complement each other.

Temples and shrines across the city will hold exciting festive activities around the Lantern Festival, including a thousand-person parade and music gala at Wuchi Chaoyuan Temple, Lantern Festival galas hosted by Dajia Zhenlan Temple and Qingshui Ziyun Rock, and lion dance performances at Eastern District Lecheng Temple. The entire Greater Taichung area is filled with a festive atmosphere for the Lantern Festival.

The opening gala on February 24 and the Lantern Festival gala on March 2 will also feature performances by well-known artists such as Wei Li-an, Universe, Mr. Wing, Lee Chih-wei, Weng Li-you, Zhuang Juan-ying, Jiang Mei-qi, Dai Ai-ling, and Wu Wen-fang. On the night of the Lantern Festival, a lucky draw for festive gifts will also be held, and the organizing committee has arranged accessible shuttle bus services.