If you are in Taiwan during the 10th of October, you might be wondering why there are so many people on the road. The reason: The tenth of October is the National Day. Public holiday for all workers, many people decide to spend their time traveling. This article will explain the origin of this festival and how to be part of the celebration.
This is the Double Ten Festival.
Brief History
The Double Ten Festival is the National Day of the Republic of China and is a national holiday to commemorate the Wucheng Uprising of October 10, 1911. This event marked the end of the Qing Dynasty in China and the establishment of the Republic of China on January first 1912.
Under Japanese control since 1895, Taiwan was returned to China in 1945 after World War II. When the republican forces were defeated during the Chinese Civil War, the ROC fled to Taiwan to establish their last stronghold. In mainland China, Double Ten festival is associated with the Maoist revolution.
National Day of the ROC is celebrated overseas by many Chinese communities (San Francisco and Chicago have a sizeable parade for the occasion).
Celebration
Taipei hosts the biggest ceremony for the occasion. To be part of the festivities, you will have to go in front of the Presidential Office. At the junction of Ketagalan Boulevard and Chongqing South Road, you can’t miss this majestic building.
Thousand of people gather to be part of the celebration. The ceremony starts with a speech from the President followed by the flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem. Then an impressive parade takes place from the Presidential Building to the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial.
During the parade, the military force will display it’s military might with tanks, armored cars, soldiers, helicopters, jets and parachutists. The parade will include people from all walks of life, aboriginals and children.
The best seats are reserved for the VIP guests: the presidential suite and officials attending the ceremony. The general public stand in the street, so that’s why I advice you to get up early to get a good spot if you plan on observing the ceremony (or bring a good Telescopic camera lens).
The streets will be vibrant with live shows, drum teams and the traditional lion dance.
Finally, a big firework display will end the ceremony in all the major cities of Taiwan.
Photo by Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash
Event 2019
This year, the ceremony will be on Thursday the 10th. The parade will start at 11h40 to 13h30. The parade cars will be in CKS memorial halls, where you can check them out there.
Conclusion
Happy Double Ten Festival!
I hope you enjoy the ceremony and visit a little more of Taiwan!
Gallery 2019
