Festivals

This huge religious festival, which marks the start and end of the famous 186-mile Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, could actually be considered as more of mass party for the central Taiwanese city of Taichung. Firecrackers, free food and drink, music and crazy processions all help to create the celebratory atmosphere over a month of mayhem.

Penghu County, comprised of a gorgeous collection of islands dotted around the Taiwan Strait, draws in thousands of visitors with its annual fireworks festival. Over a week in June, residents and tourists take their positions opposite the incredible Xiying Rainbow Bridge, ready to watch the displays against this unique backdrop.

The huge outdoor Spring Wave Music and Art Festival is Taiwan’s answer to Glastonbury, with none of the mud. The focus is more on the music, rather than art, with this two-day concert at Hengchun arena (Hengchun Airport) hosting an assortment of national and international acts across more genres than you can shake your hips at.

The Kaohsiung Neimen Songjiang Battle Array Competition invites teams from across Taiwan to converge on the Zizhu Temple in Neimen for 12 days of martial arts demonstrations and contests. This 10-year-old event, held in March and April, also aims to promote this ancient art of battle whilst preserving its role in reflecting Taiwanese identity.