Explosive Cultural Festivals Of Taipei, Taiwan-Qinshan King Festival

The festivals and cultural events of Taiwan are some of the most vibrant in the world! Because of the cultural significance of firecrackers and fireworks, they ward off evil spirits, a certain amount of caution is needed to enjoy these festivals safely. Since I’ve been to many over the years including one of the world’s most dangerous, The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival held every year in Southern Taiwan, I thought I’d take this opportunity while enjoying the recent Qingshan King Festival in Taipei to pass on some safety tips.
This is only my second time attending the Qingshan Festival in the Wanhua District of Taipei but it’s already one of my favorites.
The first two days of the festival are inspection days, when the Qingshan King is taken from the Qingshan Temple on a palanquin out into the neighborhood along with his generals to route out evil and no good in order to keep the residents safe. The Qingshan Temple was originally credited for saving many from a deadly plague in Taipei in the 19th century. Ever since there’s been a boisterous celebration for the king on his birthday with this festival.
The third day is a full on procession with lots of stages set up for performances from singers to dancing girls. The procession is for sacrifice and blessings and includes lion and dragon dances and Gods from other temples around the neighborhood taking part and paying their respects. Wanhua is where the world-famous Longshan Temple is located along with the Qingshui Temple.
Firecrackers and fireworks are no doubt one of the most dangerous aspects of many of these religious and cultural festivals. Recently more temples are moving away from live fireworks and are now introducing electronic firework machines that reproduce the sounds of the explosions. I will tell you having experienced being near these machines now for the past year they seem to be even louder than a standard bundle of firecrackers and I highly advise standing clear of these noisemakers, even with earplugs on. Typically the temple positions them right near the entrance or directly across the street.
Also firecrackers, especially when massive numbers are lit at the same time can fly in the air and can explode near you or even hit you so it’s also advisable to stay clear of the main explosion. If do find yourself near where firecrackers are to be exploded and there’s no way for you to get out of the way in time it’s best just to turn your back to the explosion. Better your back to get hit then your face, or worse, an eye! Hope you enjoy the video and thanks again for subscribing to the channel.

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