Taiwan reveals its true spirit through a vibrant calendar of festivals that unfold across the island throughout the year. Blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary international events, these celebrations transform Taiwan into a living, breathing stage of culture, creativity and hospitality—making every season an ideal time to visit.
More than a destination, Taiwan is an ongoing celebration. From the rhythm of religious rituals and colourful parades to music festivals, sporting events and seasonal spectacles, the island invites travellers to engage with its culture in immersive and meaningful ways. Here, festivals are not merely occasions to observe, but experiences to participate in—offering deep insights into Taiwan’s heritage, values and modern identity.
At almost any time of year, visitors can encounter festivals dedicated to flowers, lanterns, dragon boats, fireworks, music, hot springs, cycling tours, international marathons and culinary traditions. These events follow one another seamlessly across the calendar, ensuring that no matter when travellers arrive, Taiwan is alive with celebration.
The year often begins with one of Asia’s most enchanting spectacles: the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. Held during the Lunar New Year period, the festival sees thousands of glowing lanterns released into the night sky, each bearing handwritten wishes for health, happiness and prosperity. Floating gently above mountain villages, the lanterns create a moment of quiet magic that reflects Taiwan’s blend of folk belief, community spirit and visual poetry.
Equally iconic is the Taiwan Lantern Festival, hosted annually in a different city. Featuring monumental lantern installations, contemporary light art, cultural performances and interactive displays, the festival transforms urban landscapes into radiant nighttime wonderlands. Particularly popular with international visitors, it exemplifies Taiwan’s ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern design and storytelling.
Wellness also takes centre stage in Taiwan’s festival calendar. The island is uniquely endowed with a wide variety of springs—including hot, cold, turbid and even submarine springs—and is internationally recognised for its hot spring resorts. The annual Hot Spring and Fine-Cuisine Carnival, held in autumn and winter, celebrates this natural wealth by combining wellness experiences with local gastronomy, drawing both domestic and international travellers.
Spring marks the rise of Taiwan’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, one of the largest religious processions in the world, attracts millions of devotees who follow the sea goddess Mazu on her journey across central Taiwan. Beyond its religious significance, the pilgrimage is a vibrant communal celebration, animated by music, fireworks, street food and an atmosphere of inclusivity that warmly welcomes visitors.
Summer brings a surge of energy and international flair. The Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships pair high-adrenaline racing with festive waterfront celebrations, while the Taipei Summer Festival fills the city with open-air concerts, street performances and multicultural events. Food enthusiasts are especially drawn to Taiwan’s renowned night markets, many of which host seasonal food festivals highlighting local flavours and inventive street cuisine.
Music and the arts are central to Taiwan’s global cultural appeal. Events such as the Spring Scream Music Festival in Kenting and the Taipei Jazz Festival attract performers and audiences from around the world, transforming beaches and city streets into stages of creative exchange. These festivals showcase Taiwan’s youthful energy, openness and inclusive cultural landscape.
Autumn ushers in harvest celebrations and indigenous cultural festivals across the island. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance and ceremonies that honour Taiwan’s Indigenous communities, offering deeper insight into the island’s diverse cultural roots. At the same time, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival in Taitung fills the skies with colourful hot-air balloons set against dramatic mountain and coastal scenery—an unforgettable spectacle for families and photographers alike.
As the year draws to a close, Taiwan embraces global festivities alongside local traditions. Christmas markets, year-end concerts and the world-famous Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks draw international visitors seeking a vibrant, safe and memorable way to welcome the new year.
What truly sets Taiwan’s festivals apart is their accessibility. An efficient transport network, welcoming communities and a strong emphasis on visitor experience allow travellers to move easily between city celebrations and rural traditions. Each festival is an open invitation—to taste, to dance, to participate and to connect.
To discover Taiwan through its festivals is to experience the island at its most alive. Every celebration tells a story of heritage, innovation and warmth, making Taiwan not just a place to visit, but a place to celebrate—again and again, all year round.
