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Other Island-Wide Celebrations
FOUNDING DAY
Celebrated on January first, is the closest thing Taiwan has to an Independence Day. It celebrates Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's 1912 inauguration as the Republic of China's first president. The street's and parks of Taipei fill with colourful parades featuring lion and dragon dancers and traditional Chinese music. There are also plenty of patriotic (political) speeches. And, of course, exploding firecrackers and fireworks. This is a great all-day event for anyone who wants to get a true feel for Chinese traditions.
228
In 1995, former President Lee Teng-hui made a formal apology on behalf of the KMT government for the massacre that commenced on February 28, 1947. Taipei's 'New Park' was renamed the '228 Memorial Park' and a monument was erected.
The government has held many memorial services, concerts, art exhibitions, charity runs,
and other activities to acknowledge the suffering that many innocent Taiwanese had to endure during that period. This event is not extensively observed as 228 is still considered a controversial topic. Some would prefer to never hear it mentioned again, others see it as the defining event in Taiwan's modern history. To learn more about this event, consider a visit to the 228 Peace Park.
Teacher's Day (Confucius' Birthday)
Every September the 28th, Confucius' birthday is celebrated at the Confucius Temple. As China's most renowned educator, all teachers are supposed to be honored on this day as well. The unusual ceremony begins at around 4am and continues until just after sunrise. During the ceremony, students line up in eight rows and each student holds a goose feather, which represents the writing instrument of ancient times in honour of education and the ideals of their supreme educator.