By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
The South Island Cultural Festival, officially opening on September 8, will center around a series of ocean-going canoe activities. In addition to the dugout canoe and South Island giant canoe beaching ceremony on the opening day, the relaunched Orchid Island (Lanyu) large canoe will depart from the international landmark at Taitung Seaside Park on September 9, passing through Fugang, Xinlan Harbor, and Shan Yuan before reaching the final destination, Jinzun Fishing Port. The entire journey spans approximately 32.5 kilometers. The event will also select 24 volunteers to experience the spirit of Orchid Island warriors and the thrill of paddling a dugout canoe across the sea. Registration is open until August 24, and the selected list will be announced on the event website by August 30.
This year’s South Island Cultural Festival will officially open on September 8, with indigenous artists performing live that evening. (Photo provided by Taitung County Government)
The 2012 Taitung South Island Culture and Arts Festival series will run from now until September 16, featuring events such as street parades, dugout canoe races, and marine culture exhibitions at locations including the Railway Art Village, Orchid Island Hongtou Tribe Beachhead, and Warehouse 261. Before August 30, the Railway Art Village will also host live demonstrations of traditional canoe-making by teams from the Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Nauru. The opening ceremony on September 8 at Huoshui Lake in Taitung City will feature a beaching race between the Tao tribe’s “Visiting Boat Si Mangavang” and the South Island large canoe handcrafted by international teams. That evening, the “South Island Welcome Night” is also planned, where indigenous artists including the MATZKA band, Jam Hsiao, Wang Hung-en, and Min-Hsiung will perform live.
This year’s ocean canoe theme will allow visitors to admire traditional canoes from countries such as the Solomon Islands. (Photo provided by Taitung County Government)
Additionally, from September 11 to 16, daily sessions from 14:30 to 17:30 at Huoshui Lake will offer South Island ethnic group canoe experiences. The public can simply sign up on-site to ride a dugout canoe. The event will also feature booths selling indigenous specialty products and an exhibition area showcasing canoes handcrafted by international teams. Event website: 2012nandao.gem-imc.com.tw.
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