By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
The main lantern of the Taipei Lantern Festival, the “HAPPY Dragon,” was test-lit last night. It was designed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute team behind the “Dream Gallery” at the Taipei Expo, and the performance includes 3D animations, a dance of fire and water, water screen projections, aromatic mist, and full-color lasers. The public can visit the National Father Memorial Hall to see it from February 2 to February 12. Meanwhile, the Taipei Lantern Festival mini lantern “HAPPY Dragon” will be distributed starting at 1 PM today (31st) at designated locations in all 12 administrative districts. Distribution is limited to one per person per day and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Taipei Lantern Festival runs from February 2 to 12, with shows every 30 minutes from 7 PM to 11 PM each evening. (Photo provided by the Taipei City Government Civil Affairs Bureau)
The main “HAPPY Dragon” lantern is designed for both daytime and nighttime displays, offering a visual and auditory feast that blends traditional lantern art with modern technology every 30 minutes. The performance is structured around four main themes: “The Dragon God Appears,” “Universal Celebration,” “People’s Wishes,” and “The Dragon Bestows Blessings.” Synchronized with lights and sounds, it will be presented every 30 minutes from 7 PM to 11 PM daily during the 11-day Taipei Lantern Festival 2012. Surrounding the main lantern at the National Father Memorial Hall are various colorful lanterns rich in traditional festive atmosphere, symbolizing continuous good fortune and blessings.
Additionally, this year’s mini lanterns will not be distributed on-site at the lantern festival but simultaneously across 12 administrative districts. Distribution points include: the left side of the west exit of Songshan Railway Station, A Hall of Xinyi Civic Plaza, Xinxing Elementary School, Zhongshan Elementary School, the corridor next to the Daxiao Gate entrance of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (near Aiguo East Road), the hallway and corridors of Daqiao Elementary School, the first-floor arts and culture corridor of Wanhua Railway Station, the main entrance hallway of Muzha Elementary School, the entrance hallway of Nangang Elementary School, the hallway of Neihu Senior High School of Technology, Shilin Elementary School, and Beitou Elementary School.