Every year on October 10, Taiwan celebrates its national day, marking the establishment of the Republic of China and commemorating the beginning of the Wuchang Uprising which resulted in the end of the Qing Dynasty. Also known as double ten day, due to it falling each year on October 10, National Day is effectively Taiwan’s birthday, and this year the nation turns 109. The theme of the celebrations will be “2020 proud of Taiwan,” which is a nod towards how incredibly well Taiwan and its people have handled the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how you can join in this year’s festivities this coming Saturday. (Read more: 6 holidays in Taiwan you should know about)
Fireworks in Tainan
Every year a city is chosen to host a large fireworks display to celebrate 10/10. This year, the southern city of Tainan is the star of the show with performances from cultural groups and singers starting at 2pm before a fireworks display in Yuguang Island (漁光島), lasting roughly 33 minutes, lights up the sky from 8pm. According to Tainan Deputy Mayor Hsu Yue-dian (許育典), there will be more than 16,882 fireworks set off during the display, which you can find more information about here and this year’s fireworks simulation below.
2020 Proud of Taiwan Concert in Keelung
Can’t make it down south? The northern port city of Keelung is hosting a celebratory concert in honor of the nation’s birthday, including performances from stars of the Taiwanese music scene such as Nine One One (玖壹壹), Ilid Kaolo (以莉.高露), and more. There will also be special markets popping up across the city on October 9, including one at Yangming Marine Culture Art Museum Square (陽明海洋文化藝術館廣場), with all kinds of stalls ranging from food and drink to handicrafts. (Read more: 7 street snacks to try in Keelung)
Presidential Office Flag Raising
Democracy never sleeps, so why should you? Head down to the Presidential Office Building at 5am on Saturday 10 for the start of the annual flag raising ceremony. The flag raising itself commences at 6.30am, but before that there will be marching bands, a military guard show and more in the build up to the main event which will be attended by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).
Later in the day, from 8.55am-11.27am, the main celebration will be held in the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building. Highlights will include an address from President Tsai, military helicopters carrying a huge ROC flag, and an airshow from the Thunder Tiger Aerobatic Team. (Read more: 22 things to eat and do around Taiwan’s Presidential Office Building)
More about Holidays in Taiwan
- A Time for Family: Your Guide to the Moon Festival in Taiwan
- A Guide to Lunar New Year Dining in Taiwan
- Everything You Need to Know about Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan
- Eight Amazing Ways to Celebrate New Years in Taiwan
(cover photo: leanncaptures)
