The East Coast Sailfish Festival Kicks Off, Followed by the Navel Orange Festival on the 19th

▲ The 105 East Coast Sailfish Festival in Chenggong Township, Taitung, was held grandly this (12th) afternoon in the parking lot in front of the Xingang Fishing Association. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government, same below)

Reported by Wang Zhaolin / Taitung

Organized by Taitung County Government, the Xingang Fishing Association, and other entities, the “Xingang Melody: Riding the Waves in Search of Sailfish & Navel Oranges” Slow Travel – 105 East Coast Sailfish Festival & Navel Orange Festival event kicked off with the opening ceremony of the Sailfish Festival, which was held grandly this (12th) afternoon in the parking lot in front of the Xingang Fishing Association in Chenggong Township. The event featured award presentations and sailfish auctions with tastings.

The opening of the East Coast Sailfish Festival began at 2:00 pm today, presided over by Xingang Fishing Association Chairman Hsieh Ming-chao. The chairman expressed gratitude to the county government, the Council of Agriculture, and other organizations for their annual subsidies for the Sailfish Festival, which have made the event increasingly spectacular. This year marks the 16th edition of the Sailfish Festival. The sailfish is known for its firm texture, great value, and delicious taste, and its economic value even surpasses that of Pacific bluefin tuna. He welcomed everyone to “gather for sailfish in Taitung” and visit Chenggong to enjoy the fish.

Xingang Fishing Port in Chenggong Township, Taitung, is the main port for sailfish catches. With a wide variety of fresh and flavorful sailfish, it is a favorite among gourmets. The economic value of sailfish is also higher than that of Pacific bluefin tuna. Taitung produces about 800 metric tons of sailfish annually, with premium white-meat sailfish being a major export to Japan. During the annual sailfish season along the East Coast, the traditional method of harpooning sailfish by local fishermen truly represents the unique cultural characteristics of Chenggong and is both thrilling and visually captivating.

Additionally, this year’s Navel Orange Festival is scheduled to take place on November 19th in front of the Chenggong Township Farmers’ Association Fresh Supermarket. Navel oranges are a rather unique fruit. Taitung County Government has specially integrated the two major economic crops of Chenggong Township—sailfish and navel oranges—to launch this joint event aimed at boosting public interest. It is hoped that through combined promotion, people will come to associate sailfish and navel oranges with the delightful flavors of Chenggong, while also creating a rich harvest atmosphere. Friends from across the country are welcome to visit Chenggong in Taitung for a slow travel experience, savor seasonal sailfish dishes, and enjoy juicy, delicious navel oranges.