NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As the Lantern Festival draws near, cities across Taiwan are aglow with vibrant displays.
The 2024 New Taipei City Festival kicked off its opening on Friday (Feb. 16) night. Alongside the captivating lanterns, visitors can enjoy a diverse array of activities, including traditional dance performances, rap concerts, and theatrical plays.
This year's main attraction is a magnificent 12-meter-long dragon lantern, crafted through a blend of traditional lantern-making techniques and contemporary metal artistry. Joining the dragon are four mythical creatures from the Classic of Mountains and Seas: the phoenix, celestial horse, nine-tailed fox, and whale, each adding to the festival's enchanting atmosphere.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized the fusion of tradition and innovation in this year's festivities. "The main dragon lantern measures 12 meters this year, blending traditional lantern craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology," Hou remarked. "Coupled with a food market, the New Taipei Lantern Festival brims with a human touch."
The festival boasts nine themed lantern zones, each showcasing unique styles and themes, from religious blessings to the allure of Thai culture, the natural beauty of New Taipei's mountains and seas, and the mythical prehistoric era.
A standout feature of this year's event is the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in interactive gaming experiences.
With the festival running until March 3, the New Taipei Lantern Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration for attendees of all ages.