Festivals in Taiwan You Should Plan Your Trip Around

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Held during the Lunar New Year in the town of Pingxi, this festival is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful celebrations. Thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky, each bearing handwritten wishes from participants. The event draws a lot of attention and crowds of both locals and international travelers come each year, all hoping to send their hopes and dreams to the sky.

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival
Taking place in Yanshui District, Tainan, typically in February or March, the Beehive Fireworks Festival is one of the most intense and unique firework displays in the world. Thousands of bottle rockets are launched in all directions, originally intended as a ritual for spiritual cleansing and warding off disease. The event has evolved into a thrilling display of traditional Taiwanese fervor.

Dragon Boat Festival
Observed across Taiwan, but particularly energetic in Taipei and Kaohsiung, the Dragon Boat Festival occurs in June and centers around fast-paced dragon boat races on rivers and lakes. The origin of this event comes from the legend of poet Qu Yuan and it also features ceremonial traditions and the preparation of zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Ghost Festival
Occurring during the seventh lunar month (typically August or September), Ghost Festival is a nationwide honoring of the deceased ancestors and wandering spirits. The atmosphere is solemn yet beautiful, offering insight into Taiwan’s deep spiritual and cultural traditions.

While Taiwan is celebrated for its natural beauty and urban vibrancy, its cultural calendar is something really worth the attention. These festivals offer travelers unique opportunities to connect with local traditions, participate in age-old rituals, and witness Taiwan’s amazing sense of community and celebration.