Yilan "International Immigrants Carnival", new immigrants donned home country costumes and share exotic delicacies

【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】Translated by CHI CHIA I

The United Nations set December 18 as International Migrants Day. To promote the human rights of immigrants and respect for multiculturalism, the Ministry of the Interior also set "International Migrants Day" as Taiwan’s "Immigration Festival" in 2011.

To echo with the annual "Immigration Festival", the Yilan County Government expressed its care and attention to the new immigrants, advocating respecting the human rights of new immigrants and the spirit of multiculturalism. Therefore, an "International Immigrant Carnival" was specially organized.

New immigrants donned home country costumes and share exotic delicacies. (Photo / Provided by the Yilan County Government)

Read More: Muslim-friendly environment in Taoyuan, Longgang Mosque underwent building expansion

Yilan County Mayor Lin Zi Maio attended the festival & had fun with the new immigrants. (Photo / Provided by the Yilan County Government)

Lin Zi Maio (林姿妙), the Mayor of Yilan County, said that the number of new immigrants and their children in the county has exceeded 12,000. Yilan County not only has cultural diversity of Fujian, Hakka, and indigenous cultures but is also enriched by the cultures of new immigrants.

In this carnival, cultural exchanges were promoted with dance performances. There was also a wonderful performance of the "Journey to the East" musical by children of a new immigrant from South Africa, Cambodia and other countries, enabling children to have a deeper understanding of Taiwan and enjoyed the performance intently.

Read More: Expanding Greens for Pedestrian Walkway Between MRT Shilin, Jiantan Stations

The fresh market combines local cuisines from various Southeast Asian countries. (Photo / Provided by the Yilan County Government)

Besides, there was also a fresh market, famous snacks from various countries, classic delicacies, interesting DIY activities, creative nail painting, trying multicultural costumes, as well as games designed with themes of Indonesia’s Hari Raya Idul Fitri, Thailand’s Loi Krathong and Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.

Through a variety of rich activities that convey the concept of "new connection & love". The county government will continue to provide care to new immigrants so that they can live in peace and become the most beautiful "new" strength in Yilan.