By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The first-ever Dance Parade Festival kicked off in full swing in Taichung. This event was co-organized by the Taichung City Government, Nagoya's Machinaka Festival, and the organizers of Hokkaido’s YOSAKOI Soran Festival. The festival invited top Japanese YOSAKOI teams as well as outstanding students and clubs from Taiwan’s major dance and performing arts departments to join in the fun. With richly local cultural performances, the event transforms Taichung’s streets into a grand stage, delivering an energetic and vibrant visual feast for audiences.
The costumes, music, and dances of the Dance Parade Festival retain the cultural characteristics of their regions. (Photo source: Taichung International Dance Parade Festival)
Japan’s street dance event YOSAKOI originated from the Yosakoi Naruko Dancing Festival held in Kochi Prefecture during the Obon festival, and has since spread across Japan. YOSAKOI features the naruko (wooden clappers) and local folk songs as indispensable cultural symbols, while costumes, music, and dances also reflect regional cultural identities.
The street performance parade takes place around Xiaolvdi Park and the National Taichung Theater. (Photography by MOOK Scenic Spots Ulicke)
The origins of street parades can hardly be traced back to an exact time period. These events emerged as people’s most direct and genuine expressions of joy during festivals—whether through singing or dancing. In this era of rapid technological advancement, where traditional culture is gradually being forgotten, a group of Japanese university students sought to redefine tradition as something cool and created what has now become one of the most iconic street parade events, attracting more and more groups to join.
The Dance Parade Festival kicks off on September 15. (Photo source: Taichung International Dance Parade Festival)
Through the street parade, the city government also promotes local Taichung brands via a market. In addition to the dance events, there is a “Creative Market” representing youth entrepreneurship and Taichung’s famous gourmet selection, the “Hey Ya Super Delicious Market.” A series of four days of unique markets and performances promises to be truly exciting.
[Info]
Taichung International Dance Parade Festival
Event Dates: September 15–18, 2016 (Year 105 in Taiwan calendar).
Venue: Main Stage & Creative Market (Taichung City Hall Plaza)
Street Parade Performances: Xiaolvdi Park (Zhengzhi North 5th Rd & Zhengzhi North 3rd Rd) & roads around the National Taichung Theater