In Chungho (中和) this weekend there will be war. A water war. As host to one of the highest concentrations of Burmese-Chinese in Taiwan, the city will host Thingyan (潑水節), a water throwing festival that makes the New Year celebration for many of the ethnic groups of Indo-China. For the Burmese of Taiwan, it is also an occasion to celebrate their own culture,which has been gaining increasing recognition in Taiwan. Last year, with the support of the Chungho municipal government, the festival took on a larger dimension and attracted participation from many Taipei residents. Mayor Lu Fang-yan (呂芳煙) said that he aims to put the water throwing festival on a par with other major cultural events, such as the Pinghsi Sky Lanterns (平溪放天燈), which draw visitors from all over the island.
Water is the soul of the festival, symbolizing a washing away of evil influences and bad luck, a discarding of the old and a putting on of the new. To make sure that there is enough water, there will be 20 more water storage takes and 10 more fire hoses than last year, so people can get good and truly soaked.
The festival begins with a procession featuring a large dragon float that, according to the enthusiastic description given by a local councilman, "spews forth both water and smoke." There will be dance performances and a short Buddhist ritual, followed by the water throwing and then a buffet meal. According to people who attended last year, it is advisable to keep electronic equipment such as cameras well protected, as the water throwing can become very wild.
Thingyan takes place this Sunday. The focal point for the even will be the plaza of the Nanshihjiao (南勢角) MRT station, which is located at Lane 84, Hsingnan Road (興南路), Sec. 1. The parade begins at 9:30am and the taps are turned on at 10:50am. The festival will wrap up at 3pm.
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