The Kaohsiung Tsoying Wannian Folklore Festival (高雄左營萬年季), now in its seventh year, is second only to the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival (高雄燈會) in the calendar of cultural events in southern Taiwan. Held every October, it is an extension of traditional religious activities centered on the Tzichi Temple (慈濟宮) - originally dedicated to the Baosheng Emperor (保生大帝), it has since developed into a celebration of southern Taiwanese culture. With a mixture of religion, showmanship, fireworks and fun, the festival has been billed as Kaohsiung's response to Mardi Gras.
The festival is closely tied to southern Taiwan's history and takes its name, Wannian, from the old name of the Tsoying District, which under the administration of Koxinga (鄭成功) in the 1660s, was designated Wannian County. Religion also roots the festival firmly in the past, as the Tzichi Temple and the "welcoming of the fire lion," the centerpiece of the festival, date back to the early 18th century.
Given Tsoying's history as part of the first Chinese settlements in Taiwan, it is no surprise that temples abound. Ten major temples in the Tsoying area will all be holding their own activities as part of the festivities. The area around Kaohsiung's Lotus Lake (蓮池潭) will host traditional entertainments over the nine days of the festival, which starts tomorrow.
The fire lion is regarded as the Baosheng Emperor's steed and messenger. Every year, a huge image of the fire lion made of bamboo and paper and containing slips of paper on which are written the hopes and prayers of devotees, is paraded through the streets and then set alight amid a shower of fireworks as the climax of the festivities.
A spokesperson for the Kaohsiung City Civil Affairs Bureau (高雄市民政局) said this year's festival, will be more accessible to people from around the island as the High Speed Railway is in service. Detailed information about the numerous events taking place can be found at cabu.kcg.gov.tw/ks2007/contents_04_1.html (Chinese only).
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