Taipei City readies for Hakka festival

2014-10-20

Taipei Hakka Yimin Festival is set to kick off Oct. 24 at National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park, underscoring local government efforts promoting cultural diversity in Taiwan.

“The Hakka, who comprise around one-fifth of the Han population in Taiwan, are the country’s second largest ethnic group,” Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin said. “We are pleased to launch the four-day event in its 27th year and invite those from home and abroad to celebrate the occasion with us.”

According to Hau, the festival centers on Yimin gods, who were Hakkas that gave their lives in protecting home communities against intruders. Featuring 27 deity statues from around Taiwan, the event includes activities such as art performance night, god parades in downtown Taipei, Hakka souvenir market and lantern displays.

Hau said the art performance night is a special opportunity for the younger generation to better understand the beauty and richness of Hakka culture. In addition to dances by performers dressed as Yimin gods and traditional Hakka folk songs, it features such music as jazz, pop and rock ‘n’ roll.

“We are excited to bring Hakkas and non-Hakkas together to enjoy this magnificent festival,” Hau said, adding that a record number of participants are expected at the event.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=222970&CtNode=413)