Local Festivals and Events in Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan, is rich with a diverse range of traditional festivals and modern events throughout the year. Here are some notable events that you might want to consider when planning your visit.

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)

Usually falling in late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, this is one of the most significant celebrations in Taiwan. The city comes alive with colorful decorations, parades, fireworks, and traditional lion and dragon dances. Taipei Main Station and Ximending are popular places for celebration.

Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie)

Typically held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival commemorates the death of the Chinese scholar Qu Yuan. The highlight is the exciting dragon boat races that take place in various locations around Taipei, including the Tamsui River and Shilin Reservoir.

Taipei Lantern Festival

Held annually from the 15th to the 21st day of the 8th lunar month, this festival features beautiful lantern displays, cultural performances, and traditional Taiwanese food. The most famous venue for the festival is the Taichung City Park in central Taipei.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie)

Also known as the Moon Festival, it’s a celebration of the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. The festival includes moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and lantern displays. A popular spot for this event is Elephant Mountain (象山) in Taipei.

Tomb Sweeping Day (Qing Ming Jie)

Held on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this festival is an occasion to visit and clean ancestral graves. Although it’s a more solemn event, some parks like Dihua Street and Ximending offer cultural activities related to the festival.

Taipei International Flora Expo (TIFE)

Held every four years, this exposition showcases beautiful flora from around the world. The TIFE site often transforms into a large park with attractions like themed gardens, international pavilions, and art installations.

Taipei Music Festival

This annual music festival usually takes place in September. Concerts and performances showcasing various genres of music, from classical to pop, are held at different venues across the city.

Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade

Taiwan is known for its progressive attitudes towards LGBT rights. The Taipei LGBT Pride Parade, held in late October, is one of the largest pride parades in Asia, attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators.

Besides these major events, there are numerous smaller festivals and cultural activities happening throughout the year, providing ample opportunities to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture during your visit to Taipei.