As the Lantern Festival approaches, Miaoli City will host the grand "2025 Miaoli Fire Dragon Festival" from February 6 to 14, 2025. This year's theme, "Ignite Prosperity with the Fire Dragon," aims to blend traditional Hakka culture with innovative elements to preserve heritage while wishing for good fortune and blessings to continue.
At a press conference on January 7, the Miaoli City Office officially announced the launch of this event series. The activities will showcase the rich cultural essence of Miaoli and attract nationwide participation.
The opening performance will feature the Jian Gong Elementary School Dragon Dance Team, showcasing the "CPC Dragon" in red, blue, and white for the first time (Photo: Screenshot from Miaoli Culture and Tourism Website).
Special Features:
- Opening Performance: The Jian Gong Elementary School Dragon Dance Team will present the red, blue, and white "CPC Dragon" for the first time, setting an enthusiastic tone for the entire event.
- Community Participation: Residents from 11 communities will collaborate to create unique auspicious dragons, showcasing Miaoli's diversity and creative energy.
- Cultural Diversity: The inclusion of new immigrant dragon teams adds more cultural charm, enriching the celebration.
- Opening Ceremony: Taiwan CPC and distinguished guests will jointly launch the Fire Dragon bubble wands, symbolizing the official start of the festivities.
Exciting Itinerary
- Auspicious Dragon Blessing and Hakka Dragon Competition (February 6)
- Location: Yuqing Palace Square
- Activities: Twelve auspicious dragons will participate in a blessing and eye-dotting ceremony, symbolizing hope and vitality for the new year, along with showcasing the competitive spirit of Miaoli's Hakka dragons.
- Fire Dragon Carnival (February 8)
- Location: Yuqing Palace to Miaoli Cat Parent-Child Park
- Activities: Over 35 domestic and international performance teams will participate, featuring fiery drum performances, tech light shows, mime clowns, and creative magic from Japan and Korea, embodying the lively theme "Ignite Prosperity with the Fire Dragon."
- Night of the Fire Dragon (February 9)
- Location: Jinguo Riverside Park
- Activities: Cross-cultural performances by Malaysia and the National Taiwan Sport University Dragon Dance Teams, with a family-friendly bubble Fire Dragon experience zone offering traditional and interactive fun.
- Dragon's Return to Heaven (February 14)
- Location: Jiachengli Wenchang Temple Square
- Activities: A ceremonial farewell to the auspicious dragons, marking the conclusion of the series and symbolizing the continuation of blessings.
Exciting Itinerary Highlights (Photo: Screenshot from Miaoli Culture and Tourism Website)
Significance of the Event
Originating in 1998, the Miaoli Fire Dragon Festival has become a distinctive Lantern Festival tradition for Miaoli's Hakka community. It integrates dragon worship, traditional dragon crafts, and folk competitions and has been ranked first among the "Top 12 Hakka Festivals." This event aims to combine tradition and innovation, attracting more participants, showcasing Miaoli's cultural depth, and boosting local tourism and economic opportunities.
Source: Miaoli Culture and Tourism Website
