TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chiayi County Government (嘉義縣政府) announced on Tuesday (Dec. 30) the launch of the "Super Mario Star Festival" (超級瑪利歐．星燦嘉年華) themed lantern area for the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival (台灣燈會). The county revealed the methods for exchanging limited-edition "?" block-shaped lanterns, aiming to attract visitors with a unique experience.
Starting Thursday (Jan. 1), visitors can join the Slow Travel Chiayi official LINE account to participate in the "Super Mario Star Festival - Stamp Collection Gift" event. By visiting designated spots in Chiayi County and collecting stamps via mobile location at five sites, participants can reserve their lanterns. Alternatively, from March 2 to 14, 2026, visitors staying at designated legal accommodations in Chiayi County can exchange up to three lanterns based on the number of nights stayed or the number of their room。
The exchange site for the block-shaped "?" lanterns will be located within the "Super Mario Star Festival" themed area at the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival. Visitors can redeem their lanterns from March 3 to 15, 2026. The county government stated that the lantern area, created in collaboration with Nintendo, will feature a Super Mario theme, blending elements of the invincible star, adventure, and light and shadow for a distinct experience.
Additionally, visitors can join the "Group Tour Gift Travel Agency Exclusive" program, with details on the free lantern collection process to be announced later. The "Super Mario Starry Carnival" area will include one main lantern and four special sub-lanterns, offering weekend-only character meet-and-greets, interactive game zones, and brand merchandise sales areas.