Miaoli Bombing Dragon festival set for Feb. 25 to March 5

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Miaoli will host the "Bombing Dragon" (苗栗火旁龍) festival from Feb. 25 to March 5, celebrating a unique Hakka (客家), an ethnic minority group in Taiwan, Lantern Festival tradition.

Miaoli Mayor Yu Wen-zhong (余文忠) emphasized the festival's role in strengthening community bonds and promoting health. He stated the firecracker sounds drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. The 2026 event marks the city's commitment to passing on blessings.

The term "Bombing Dragon" refers to the ritual of exploding firecrackers and bee fireworks around a dancing dragon. Officials say the practice wards off evil and ushers in prosperity. The celebration ranks among the 12 major festivals in Miaoli's Hakka villages.

Mayor Yu noted the participation of Qiaocheng Elementary School (僑成國小) and Fuxing Tianliao (福星田寮) girls' dragon dance teams. Miaoli County Deputy Magistrate Chiu Li-li (邱俐俐) thanked the city office and various sectors for their support of this nationally significant Hakka folk culture. The event enhances community cohesion, with elderly participants benefiting from dragon dancing's health-promoting aspects.

The tradition originated in the Hakka ancestral regions of China during the Qing (清) dynasty and later came to Taiwan. The custom flourished during the 1940s and 1950s. Local elders believe more firecrackers bring greater prosperity for the coming year.

This year marks the second year the city office has invited community participation in crafting the dragon. The Miaoli City Office invites the public to join the festivities and embrace the new year. ◼