Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je makes surprise appearance at mass costume parade as the lively Guandu Festival unveils 22 diverse programs

Text / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team Compilation & Report

Taipei’s largest festival, the 2017 “Lively Guandu Festival,” launched over the weekend with participating teams advancing via both water and land routes to gather at Guandu Waterfront Park for an entire day of vibrant events. Thirty-five creative street parade teams took part on land, while over a hundred canoes formed a flotilla on the water. The estimated turnout exceeded 10,000 people. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je also joined the boat parade that day, paddling a canoe specially painted for the festival to arrive at the venue, where he donned costume and joined locals in a festive celebration.

The Lively Guandu Festival grows more magnificent each year, not only bringing art into communities and fostering a sense of togetherness, but also showcasing the unique culture of Guandu residents. This year’s theme, “Innovative Guandu with Artistic Vision,” is more than just a one-day cultural celebration—it's a sustainable humanistic lifestyle initiative that incorporates the Greater Tamsui River Project, raises environmental awareness, and aims to become Taiwan’s most prominent festival event.

The highlight of this year’s event was the “Hundred Boats Gathering at Guandu.” On the morning of the 29th at 8:30 AM, the first fleet of boats set off from Shuangxi Pier, cruising along the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers toward the final destination at Guandu Fishing Port. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je joined the fleet at 10:00 AM aboard a canoe specially decorated for the Lively Guandu Festival. He disembarked at 10:30 AM, immediately donned costume, and joined the street parade to celebrate joyfully with everyone.

This year’s parade featured even more participants than in previous years, with every community putting their utmost effort into the event, creating their own unique costume designs. Parade teams will perform spontaneously along Guandu Road and Zhixing Road, delighting visitors along the way. The organizers also hosted four Mini Hot Music Concerts in the Guandu area, treating attendees to musical performances that added to the festive atmosphere.

In conjunction with the parade on October 29th, traffic controls were implemented on Beitou Guandu Road and Zhixing Road from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Buses were rerouted and did not stop at Zhixing Road or Guandu Road. The public is advised to plan alternate routes accordingly.