With the dawn of the new millennium fast approaching, the Taipei City government has been gearing up for a month-long series of events to celebrate the turn of the century.
An event dubbed "Taipei's 100-year History on Footprints" kicked off the program yesterday. Visitors to City Hall will see 100 large paper "footprints" on the pavement surrounding the building in central Taipei, with each "footprint" recording a significant historic event in the history of Taiwan over the last 100 years.
Similar sidewalk "footprints" also decorate the red brick pavement on Kuangfu South Road on the south side of the Sun Yet-sen Memorial Hall.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
The city will also be sponsoring events to mark the beginning of the 21st century. Millennium celebrations will begin at 7pm on New Year's Eve at two locations -- in front of City Hall and around Hsiwang Park (
Local and international pop singers will provide the entertainment.
In addition, a large TV screen in front of City Hall will beam live images of other millennium parties taking place elsewhere in Asia.
Looking back at the last 100 years, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
"There were more accomplishments in the second half of the 20th century than in the first half," Ma said.
"The population of the city mushroomed from 600,000 to 2.64 million. It's important to remember the accomplishments of our ancestors, not only to show our respect for them but also to follow in their footsteps," he said.
"It's my ultimate goal as the mayor of Taipei to strengthen the advantages of our city and upgrade living standards," Ma said.
For more information about millennium celebration events and schedules, check the Taipei City Government's Web site at:
http://www.taipei.gov.tw
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