By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin The diligent culture of the Hakka people has gradually gained attention in recent years, with related events being held one after another, mainly in the Taoyuan-Zhuolan-Miaoli region where the Hakka population is the highest. The Longtan Township Office in Taoyuan County will hold the “2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival” this Saturday (the 26th), where participants will set off from the large pond in Longtan Township, dressed in gorgeous and passionate costumes. Some will even wear carnival outfits incorporating Hakka flower cloth, showcasing a different side of the warm and unique Hakka spirit.
Hakka flower cloth combined with glamorous carnival attire showcases Hakka village culture in a more diverse way. (Photo provided by Longtan Township Office)
The “2012 Longtan Hakka Carnival” street parade, hosted by the Longtan Township Office, has entered its third year. This year’s event will take place from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on May 26 (Saturday) by the lakeside of Longtan Pond. On the day of the event, samba drum teams formed by local elementary and middle school students will perform, along with the Hakka cultural art troupe’s Hakka uncle float, Hakka spicy girls, and grandma puppets, dancing along the street to the beat of energetic samba drums. This year’s parade route will start at Longtan Pond and pass through Longyuan Road, Donglong Road, Beilong Road, and Zhongzheng Road.
Longtan Pond is a famous local landmark and has also been the venue for events such as the fireworks festival. (Photo provided by Longtan Township Office)
Taoyuan County’s Longtan Township is named after the large pond within its boundaries. The pond covers an area of about 45,000 pyeong and was formerly known as Lingtanpi. It is said that there is a white stone in the spring cave, and whenever the water level drops and the white stone becomes visible, it will rain soon. Even during drought seasons, the water level in the pond remains relatively stable. In times of prolonged drought, praying for rain by the pond would bring rainfall from the heavens, hence the place was called Lingtanpi. Since the Taiwanese pronunciation of “ling” (灵) is similar to “long” (龙), Lingtan is also called Longtan.
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