Even the Third Prince joins in the Taiwanese folk dance? The expansive Kaohsiung Zuoying Eternal Spring Festival returns.

Written and compiled by Li Xinyi

The 11th annual "Kaohsiung Zuoying Eternal Spring Festival" will kick off in full splendor on October 8th. With this year coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, the 350th anniversary of the establishment of Wannian County, and the unification of Kaohsiung City and County—as well as the centennial reunion of the old and new cities of Zuoying and Fengshan—the festival has adopted the theme "A Historic Gathering of Old and New Phoenix Cities." It will feature an expanded lineup of celebratory events, among which the most spectacular include the “Fire Lion Parade” and the historically significant centennial reunion of the old and new city god temples of Fengyi and Donggang, bringing the series of events to a thrilling climax.

The ten-day event runs from October 8th to October 16th, centering around Lotus Pond in Zuoying and its surrounding areas. This year’s activities include the “Fire Lion Grand Parade,” “Ten Turns to Success,” “Light and Fireworks Show,” “Eternal Spring Cannon Attack,” “Sugar Lion Divination,” and “Duck Boat Rides.” Notably, to celebrate the centennial, 100 Third Princes have been gathered to perform a Taiwanese folk dance simultaneously in Zuoying District and Sishan District, while Sishan District’s Wuyi City God Temple and Donggang City God Temple will reunite at the historic Wuyi Old City City God Temple, together witnessing this historic gathering.

Additionally, to highlight the centennial blessing, the special “Eternal Spring Sugar Lion” activity has been launched. Alongside the Fire Lion Parade visiting various temples, 100 participants can take part in the “Divination Tossing Competition.” After nine days of activities, the participant who obtains the most “blessing cups” will win a large Eternal Spring Sugar Lion, carrying good fortune with them. Following the Fire Lion Parade, the fire lion will be set ablaze beside the main stage, sending the blessings and wishes of all attendees to the heavens—serving as the grand finale of this year’s closing ceremony.

Kaohsiung City Government Civil Affairs Bureau website: cabu.kcg.gov.tw/ks2011