A closeup view of the hundreds of small rockets making up a rectangular rocket structure.
A decorated beehive structure being carted through Yanshui, followed by crowds of people wearing protective clothing.
A group of dragon dancers move in sync, chasing a “Pearl of Wisdom.”
Lunar New Year is one of the largest holidays in Taiwan. It typically lasts 15 days total, during which a variety of traditions and festivities are upheld and celebrated. One of the more unusual events held during Lunar New Year is the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival (鹽水蜂炮) , which is held on the 15th day of the first month on the lunar calendar. The festival entails being shot at by mini rockets while (hopefully) wearing protective gear, such as motorcycle helmets, layers of thick, flame-retardant clothes, and masks. The festival is both exhilarating and frightening, and it is truly an unforgettable experience.
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is so named for its characteristic, multi-layered rocket structures that resemble beehives. On the night of the 15th, visitors will not only be able to view these structures being carted along on the backs of trucks, but also have the opportunity to be in the crowd while these “beehives” are lit. The majority of festivities are held very close to Yanshui Night Market, which is a perfect spot to get a bite to eat before heading into the crowds. Another few other Yanshui attractions to check out prior to the festivities are Yanshui Dazhong Temple (鹽水武廟) and Yanshui Old Street, which are all chock full of culture, history, and interesting art.
On the night of the festival, tourists and locals alike may catch sight of effigy palanquins, each with a specific number, moving along in a procession. The concept of these effigies dates back to the late 1800s, when locals prayed to the Chinese God of War to get rid of a rapidly-spreading epidemic. Overtime, this event evolved into a tradition of getting hit by rockets, with the belief that the more rockets hit you, the luckier your new year will be. Getting hit by a rocket is said to feel like being hit by a paintball, and visitors may be left with bruises, burns, and even open wounds, depending on the strength of their protective garments. Another important thing to keep in mind is the movement of the crowd, which will be shaking and stomping. This is used as a preventative measure against any rockets that may cause stray pieces of cloth to catch fire.
Another popular activity during Taiwan’s Lunar New Year are dragon dances, which feature the body of a long, colorful dragon, the bottom length of which is interspersed with poles. Dancers grip the poles and move the dragon in sync. The dance is generally accompanied by a drummer, a cymbalist and a host of other instrumentalists that beat a steady, deafening beat as the dragon makes its way around the streets. While these events are not exclusive to Yanshui, they are beautiful to witness and important parts of Taiwanese culture.
The days of the Lantern Festival are an exciting time in Taiwan. If you feel prepared to face thousands of exploding bottle rockets, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival may be the perfect option to experience the Lunar New Year. Other options like watching - or even participating - in a dragon dance are also excellent ways to further immerse yourself in festivities.
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