Double-Main-Light, Double-Dog Lantern Festival Brightens Central Taiwan; Japanese Dream Lanterns Make Grand Debut in Taiwan

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 modeled after a “Male Dog Gazing into the Distance,” while the Harbor Art Center’s theme is “Female Dog Protecting.” From 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. each evening, there will also be a “Welcome Wealth” main lantern show featuring not only colorful lighting effects but also combined with flower incense and smoke to offer audiences a multi-sensory experience.

This year, Japan’s 5-meter-tall fan-shaped “Dream Lantern” from Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, is making its first-ever appearance in Taichung. Additionally, 3,000 small dream lanterns will be given out at 7:15 p.m. on February 25 at Taichung Park, inviting everyone to attend the Dream Lantern Festival in Hirakawa City. In addition to a rich array of lantern displays and light environments, both lantern zones will host performances by traditional performance troupes from Aomori Prefecture, Komagane City, and Tottori Prefecture during the opening gala on February 24 and the Lantern Festival Gala on March 2, promoting cultural exchanges between Taichung and Japan’s traditional folk customs.

The 2018 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival features main lanterns designed in the shape of “Taiwan Dogs,” with the themes “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 across the city are holding exciting festive events around the Lantern Festival, including the thousand-person parade and music gala at Wuzhi Chaoyuan Temple, the Lantern Festival gala 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 the festive atmosphere of 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 Birdy, Universe, Mr. Wolf, Lee Jjia, Weng Liyou, Zhuang Juan Ying, Chiang Wei Qi, Dai Ailing, and Wu Wenfang. A lucky draw for festive gifts is also scheduled for the night of the Lantern Festival, and the organizers have arranged shuttle services via accessible buses.