By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
The Indigenous Affairs Office of Pingtung County Government will hold the creative exhibition event “Djulis Home Escape ~ Market Stroll” at the “Indigenous Cultural Park” on February 25, running for 10 days until March 4. Each day will feature fun, delicious, and beautiful showcases of indigenous industries and cultural activities！
Pingtung County Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung poured water from beneath Dawu Mountain to refresh the warriors, symbolizing a report and prayer to the ancestral spirits for the smooth running of the event. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government Tourism and Communication Office)
Grown in Pingtung’s indigenous regions, “red quinoa,” often referred to as the “red gem,” is currently recognized by Professor Tsai Bi-ren of Pingtung University of Science and Technology as superior in nutritional content and functionality to other grains, making it an excellent health food. The Pingtung County Government has also been working with private companies to develop red quinoa products such as red quinoa steamed buns, red quinoa rice balls, and red quinoa cookies. Moreover, red quinoa is an indispensable ingredient in brewing millet wine. Every spring, along Provincial Highways 37, 26, and 185, visitors can witness the stunningly varied growth stages of the plant — from tender green, fresh green, to bright red, then dark purple, followed by golden yellow, and finally sunset red.
Pingtung County Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung said that after Typhoon Morakot, tribal settlements were established in the Nanshih Li, Changzhi Baihe Park, Sinyi, and Wulaluzu areas. “This is not ‘running away from home,’” but rather putting down roots in the original territories of the indigenous peoples, while also bringing traditional crops — red quinoa — to the tribes, and sharing this premium grain with friends around the world. He hopes the event will showcase the initial achievements of cultural and industrial reconstruction by the tribes after Typhoon Morakot, and allow outsiders to see the depth and resilience of indigenous peoples.
Indigenous warriors run to the county government to announce the upcoming “Djulis Home Escape” event. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government Tourism and Communication Office)
On February 25, at the “Indigenous Cultural Park,” eight indigenous townships in Pingtung County will compete in an indigenous music and dance competition as part of the opening ceremony. The winning team will represent Pingtung County in the National Indigenous Peoples Games. In the following days, there will be a “One Township, One Industry” themed farmers' market at the Changzhi Baihe Tribe, and a creative market for indigenous crafts at the Nanshih Tribe, complete with an indigenous children’s games experience area where all visitors can have great fun.
The closing ceremony on March 4 will feature a “Flower Wreath Creation Competition” using the event’s star ingredient — “red quinoa.” For more information about the event, please contact (08)732-0415 ext. 3821 at the Indigenous Affairs Office of Pingtung County Government or visit: host.f3art.com/djulis.
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