The 2024 “Kaohsiung·Beijing Characteristics Week” event has brought people from across the Taiwan Strait together to celebrate the traditional Lantern Festival. The event, which had the theme of “Dragon Cross-Strait Celebration of Lantern Festival,” showcased a variety of customs and performances that highlighted the cultural ties between Taiwan and mainland China.
One of the highlights of the event was a joint performance by students from Beijing and Kaohsiung. The Jinfan Chorus of Dengshikou Primary School in Beijing performed the song “Descendants of the Dragon,” followed by a performance by primary school students from Kaohsiung. The students from both places also sang “Grandma’s Penghu Bay” together, creating a heartwarming atmosphere at the event.
In addition to the musical performances, the event also featured a national costume show by the Kaohsiung Chinese Art School and a diabolo performance by the Beijing Dongcheng District Cultural Center, both of which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The event was a testament to the shared cultural heritage and traditions of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Dr. Ding Wenyun, a Taiwanese doctor from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, described the atmosphere as “harmonious, beautiful, and united.”
Beyond the “Kaohsiung·Beijing Characteristics Week” event, other Lantern Festival celebrations took place across mainland China. In Fuzhou, Fujian, the “Two Horses and Lantern Festival” lit up the lights at Langqi Hongguang Lake Park, attracting visitors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The event featured lantern displays, traditional Chinese cultural activities, and cross-strait exchanges, showcasing the strong ties between Fuzhou and Matsu.
The celebrations extended to Meizhou Island in Putian, where the “Mazu Blessing and Celebrating the Lantern Festival” event was held. The event featured traditional customs such as light shows, fireworks, and prayers for blessings, bringing together compatriots on both sides of the strait to celebrate the festival.
The festivities continued with the “Cross-Strait Lantern Festival Poems” concert and the “Longteng Bay District·One Tree Blooming with Flowers-2024 Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Youth Lantern Festival.” These events showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Taiwan and mainland China, demonstrating the enduring bond between the two sides.
The 2024 Lantern Festival celebrations exemplified the spirit of unity, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between the people of Taiwan and mainland China, fostering a sense of harmony and togetherness during the festive season.