Challenge the 16-meter limit！The Six Clans Blessing Sharp Cannon Fort opens on the 21st

▲ Six Clans Blessing Sharp Cannon Fort. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

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ru / Comprehensive report

The “2016 Hakka 12 Major Festivals - Six Clans Blessing Sharp Cannon Fort,” which received much attention last year, is scheduled to kick off with various competitions on February 21, 27, and 28. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM on January 22. The popular individual event, the 16-meter-high “Extreme Sharp Cannon Fort,” will also be held again.


▲ The event kicks off on the 21st in Wugou Village, Wanluan Township, the birthplace of the Sharp Cannon Fort. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

This year’s (105th) events include the traditional Wugou-style Sharp Cannon Fort, which will start on the 21st in Wugou Village, Wanluan Township — the birthplace of the Sharp Cannon Fort — offering participants a chance to experience the most authentic version of the event. On the 27th and 28th, the Pingtung County Sports Park will host a continuation of the highly competitive variety of group competitions held in previous years, including the Six Clans Volunteer Army Sharp Cannon Fort, Castle Sharp Cannon Fort, and Cloud Soaring Sharp Cannon Fort.

The uniqueness of the Wugou traditional-style Sharp Cannon Fort lies in the fact that the local community still uses single poles and single cannon cages. The cannon poles are freshly cut green bamboo gathered by residents early in the morning, adorned with traditional-style cannon cages made from fruit baskets, fixed onto bases and erected. This recreates the scene of Hakka ancestors practicing military drills while celebrating Lantern Festival a century ago.

In addition to the above group competitions, the popular “Extreme Sharp Cannon Fort,” which highlighted individual performance last year, will continue. Aside from the official events, there will also be “A Gentle Try – Sharp Cannon Fort Experience” and “Family Fun Sharp Cannon Fort Challenge” for general participants to enjoy with their families. Everyone is welcome to join. Moreover, on February 27 and 28 at the County Sports Park, two additional competitions will be added: Plate Stacking Flower Competition and Hakka Three Black Falls, allowing the public to personally experience the beauty of traditional Hakka New Year customs and helping more people learn about Hakka culture.