The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. In Taiwan, it marks the end of the Chinese New Year season. On this day, families get together to eat sweet rice balls called tangyuan. The festival has become one of the most important traditional events in Taiwan.
One fun activity during the festival is guessing lantern riddles. Colorful lanterns which are decorated with riddle questions are hung in temples and parks. People read the clues carefully and try to guess the right answers. If someone guesses correctly, they often win a small prize or a sweet treat.
The Taiwan Lantern Festival is held in a different city every year. Huge lantern displays are set up in open areas, and the streets are lit up with amazing designs. The crowd of visitors grows larger every year, and people come from all over the island to enjoy the beautiful lights.
In Pingxi, a small town near New Taipei City, releasing sky lanterns is a beloved tradition. People write their wishes on the paper lanterns before they release them into the night sky. Each lantern glows with a warm light and floats higher and higher. This tradition has become known around the world, and tourists from many countries visit Pingxi to take part in it.
The Lantern Festival is a time to celebrate with family and enjoy the beauty of light. Whether you are watching lantern displays in the city or releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi, the festival brings joy and warmth to everyone. It reminds us of the value of tradition and the happiness that comes from sharing special moments together.