Page 63 - Why Taipei Matters

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Taking part in Taipei’s temple festivals offers a deeper understanding of how early settlers found spiritual grounding
as they established their lives in the city. Taipei regularly celebrates deities’ birthdays and conducts various ritual
ceremonies, collectively shaping a unique landscape of local faith and community life.

Baosheng Cultural Festival
Held at Dalongdong Baoan Temple to honor the birth
of Grand Emperor Baosheng on the 15th day of the
third lunar month, this festival showcases a rich array of
traditional rituals and performances. Highlights include
Jiaxingxi (a family name play) performances, the Fire Lion
fireworks displays, the Three Offerings Rites.

Taipei Xia-Hai City God Cultural Festival
Held annually on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month, the
Taipei Xia-Hai City God Cultural Festival fills Dadaocheng
area with devoted worshippers, palanquins, firecrackers,
and performance troupes. A local saying goes, “people
look at people on 13th May,” vividly capturing the lively
atmosphere and massive turnout of the celebration.

Qingshan King Festival
Celebrated each year on the 23rd day of the tenth lunar
month, the Qingshan King Festival marks the birthday of
King Lingan with grand worship ceremonies throughout
the Bangka. The festivities begin on the evenings of the
20th and 21st with midnight patrols, symbolizing the
inspection of his domain. The main event takes place
on the 22nd, featuring an elaborate pilgrimage and
idolatrous procession.