Festivals and Events in Taiwan

Dragon Boat Festival held in June every year is celebrated in June and is a day when the Taiwanese believe they can ward off evil spirits. The festival is held in remembrance of the legendary poet Chu Yuan who committed suicide in protest to the autocratic attitude of the king. The Ghost Festival is month long festival held in August for departed souls (and living ones!). The living lay out supplies of food, incense and money (fake notes!) for the next year. Banquet tables sag with the weight of offerings of fish, fowl, meat, veggies, canned goods (for the long ride back to the underworld!) and alcoholic drinks (to ease the pain of parting)! Taiwanese operas perform non-stop (ever heard of a ghost going to sleep or taking a break while on a break?) for music soothes the beast (hopefully). Moon Festival is held in October each year by distributing cakes and getting lost in contemplation. The moon which the people believe to be at its finest in autumn has always been an important symbol for the Taiwanese and this is the time they use to reflect on the year gone by.