This year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival was held in Pingtung for the first time in 30 years. Trial operations began on February 15, with the official opening on February 19. Over the course of 17 days, it attracted many visitors. Despite significant challenges in traffic management, all obstacles were overcome, and visitors were transported right up until the very end, leaving many deeply grateful rather than complaining about the wait.
Magistrate Pan Meng-an mentioned that many elders praised this lantern festival, expressing their gratitude for the beautiful event that allowed them to go out and visit with relatives and family. Many also said they hadn’t been to Pingtung in a long time, making this a rare opportunity.
Of course, with the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Pingtung, local homestays and tourism businesses across the county also enjoyed considerable profits thanks to the influx of visitors.
In his speech, Magistrate Pan Meng-an also wished the 2020 event, to be hosted by Taichung, a smooth and successful run. Taichung City was represented by Vice Mayor Linghu Rong-da, who led the Formosan Clouded Leopard family in a declaration that they would put great care into planning the 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival, promising a refreshing and exciting experience. Director-General of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Chou Yung-hui, also highly praised this lantern festival as being filled with “gratitude, thankfulness, and emotion.”
The closing night show featured performances symbolizing “ethnic harmony,” including groups performing in Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and new immigrant communities—delivering heartfelt and local-flavored entertainment.
- 1
- 2