Indigenous peoples from around the world gather in Taiwan, showcasing passionate music and dance from July 27 to August 3

Text and photos by Chi Bing-hui

 

Indigenous peoples preserving rich cultures can be found all over the world. This year, the "World Indigenous Peoples Music and Dance Festival," organized by the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, invites indigenous performers from various countries to Taiwan to present world-class professional performances. From July 27 to August 3, events will take place in Hualien, Pingtung, Taipei, and other locations, featuring a total of 12 international groups and 7 domestic groups. The public is welcome to join this rare summer celebration as the world comes together to have fun!

Sun Ta-chuan, Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, stated that Taiwan is the origin of Austronesian peoples and a vibrant hub of multicultural treasures, making it a stronghold of Austronesian culture. Indigenous music and dance can be considered one of the most important assets of indigenous peoples. This World Indigenous Peoples Music and Dance Festival aims to invite performing groups from around the world to Taiwan to engage in cultural exchanges with Taiwan’s indigenous communities.

 

The 8-day World Indigenous Peoples Music and Dance Festival has invited groups from 12 countries including Niger, Burundi, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Tahiti, New Zealand, Canada, Palau, Solomon Islands, Gambia, and Kiribati. From Taiwan, there are 7 performing groups: the Original Theater, Amis Gaguen Ensemble, Dimauryuan Indigenous Music Collective, Tamarun Cultural and Artistic Group, Taiwan Highland Dance Cultural and Art Service Group, Pingtung Cultural Park, and Chuang Kuo-hsin Indigenous Experimental Theater. The festival's main theme is "Taiwan as the Stage, the World Having Fun Together!" It aims to build friendships through dance and promote Taiwan’s indigenous music and dance on the international stage.

The main performance venues include the plaza in front of the National Theater and Concert Hall (Taipei), the County Stadium (Pingtung), and the Liyu Pond Parking Lot (Hualien). During the event period, performances will also be held in indigenous villages. Additionally, there will be an "Indigenous Flavor Street," featuring carefully curated booths showcasing traditional crafts, cultural and creative industries, and local agricultural specialties of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. For more details, please visit the official website: (http://www.indfestival.com).