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Lantern Festival Taiwan

A cultural observance on the 15th day of the first lunar month celebrating the traditional Lantern Festival with large-scale lantern displays, sky lanterns, fireworks, and folk activities promoting good fortune and Taiwanese cultural heritage.

Saturday
20
February 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATELantern Festival (15th day 1st Chinese lunar month)
OBSERVED INTaiwan
CATEGORYCulture
SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage
ORIGIN

Government Proclamation

FOUNDING ENTITY
Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taiwan
FIRST OBSERVED
1990
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Tourism Bureau of Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications established the event in 1990 under Director Mao Chih-kuo, integrating traditional lantern customs into a large-scale tourist event to promote Taiwan's folklore domestically and internationally.

News Archivevia en.wikipedia.org
INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to be mesmerized and illuminated on February 24, during the Lantern Festival Taiwan, which is one of the most celebrated events in the country. This magical night marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations and features a sea of hand-crafted, brightly lit lanterns that fill the night sky with shimmering light. The Lantern Festival dates back to the Tang Dynasty, but it wasn't until the 1990s that Taiwan enhanced it into a major event featuring dazzling light exhibits, traditional performances, and lantern-contest award ceremonies. It's not just an event; it's a spectacular celebration of culture, tradition, and unity that brings people from all over the world together. Go beyond the ordinary, step into a world of wonder, and let yourself be guided by the glow on this fantastic day. You're sure to cherish this experience forever!

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TIMELINE

Lantern Festival Taiwan Timeline

Origins of Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival originated in China during the Tang Dynasty, intended as a time for individuals to pray for good health and prosperity.

Introduction to Taiwan

As Taiwan became heavily influenced by Chinese culture during the Qing Dynasty, traditions like the Lantern Festival were introduced to the island.

National Holiday Recognition

The Taiwanese government officially recognized the Lantern Festival as a national holiday as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Festival Enhancement

Taiwan began to enhance the Lantern Festival into a larger event featuring light exhibits, traditional performances, and lantern-contest award ceremonies.

Largest Lantern Festival

Taiwan held its largest Lantern Festival yet, with over 11 million visitors attending, solidifying its status as a major international event.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lantern Festival Taiwan

EDITOR'S PICK

Create your own lantern

Channel your inner artist and make your own lantern. Not only does this give a personal touch to the festival, but it's also a great way to immerse yourself in the tradition and culture of Taiwan. You can even host a lantern party where you and your friends spend time crafting your own lanterns to display.

JOIN

Join a lantern lighting ceremony

Many towns and cities in Taiwan host lantern lighting ceremonies. In the evening, join the crowds to release your lanterns into the night sky. The sight of countless lanterns floating into the darkness is truly awe-inspiring.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a lantern contest

Fancy more competition? Enter your handmade lantern in a contest. Many neighborhoods, schools, and organizations host these events and reward the most creative and beautifully crafted lanterns.

COOK

Cook traditional Taiwanese dishes

The Lantern Festival in Taiwan is not all about lights and lanterns; it's also a feast for your taste buds! In conjunction with this festive event, prepare traditional dishes such as sweet rice balls (tangyuan), pineapple cakes, or sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) to complete your celebration.

WATCH

Watch a Lantern Festival parade

The Lantern Festival is marked by several parades throughout Taiwan. These parades are a spectacle of radiant colors, traditional music, and dances, which give you a real sense of Taiwan's rich cultural heritage. It's a must-see for any visitor.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Lantern Festival Taiwan

It promotes unity and togetherness

The lantern festival promotes a sense of unity as everyone comes together to celebrate the end of the Lunar New Year. Regardless of where you're from, on this day, you are part of a community brought together by shared joy and light.

It's a fantastic cultural experience

Everything about the Lantern Festival immerses you in Taiwanese culture, from the handcrafted lanterns to the traditional cuisine being served. It's an incredible opportunity to truly learn about and appreciate the rich heritage of Taiwan.

It's visually breathtaking

The sight of thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky is awe-inspiring. There is something magical about participating in this community celebration where everyone's creativity, captured in their unique lantern designs, is literally on display.

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