Every summer, I sit in my air-conditioned flat and scour the Internet for mind-blowing DJ gigs and one-of-a-kind parties happening in Taipei. But sometimes Taiwan can seem to be so far from the center of the festival circuit. Think Coachella. Think Glastonbury.
Some of us have gotten used to this festival envy that usually comes accompanied by feelings of resentment toward living somewhere so far off the grid that most popular DJs still confuse it with Thailand. Others make the pilgrimage to Japan for Fuji Rock.
Fortunately, though not at all on the scale that our neighbor to the north organizes festivals, there are a few creative promoters in Taiwan. One of these festivals is happening this upcoming weekend, One Love Dancingfest 2014: Love From The Sky.
Photo courtesy of One Love
But don’t worry if it all sounds too bohemian for you, it’s as much for hippies as Coachella is (which is not at all, they’re only playing dress up).
One Love is a small outdoor festival with a big heart. In its third year, the 16-hour event takes place on a private beach on Taiwan’s north coast. David Lin (林大為), one of the organizers, says the festival features music, art, performance, dancing, blue skies and sandy beaches.
A series of geometric art installations have been built for One Love around the stage, bar and tent area. Painting, busking, fire spinning, LED mapping and other visual arts will also be on display.
Photo courtesy of One Love
Lin says he got the inspiration for the festival from Lightning in a Bottle, an American festival whose mantra promotes sustainability, social cohesion, health and creative expression. He hopes that by instilling the same values and interactive activities, he can awaken Taiwan and prepare it for something bigger in the future.
Last year, 2,500 people showed up for the event.
Proximity to coast should award partygoers with a spectacular sunset as it has in previous years and according to Lin, is the most beautiful sunrise on the north coast.
■ One Love DancingFest begins tomorrow at 2pm and runs until Sunday morning at 6:30am at the White House Resort (白宮行館), 264 Masu Rd, New Taipei City (新北市瑪鋉路264號). Presale tickets are available at all iBon/FamiPorts for NT$1,000, or NT$1,300 at the venue. On the web: www.facebook.com/events/283069635208774/
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