Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and Premier Wu Den-yih turned on the switch for the main lantern “HoKi” during the opening ceremony of this year’s Taipei Lantern Festival on February 26. The tiger lantern set off a display of dazzling lights and colors to the delight of the audience.
Hau indicated that Taipei City is one of the first municipalities in Taiwan to organize large-scale celebrations to commemorate the festival. Thanks to the input of talented artists, Taipei Lantern Festival retains a lead in terms of originality and progress, helping to make Taipei the most creative city in the Chinese world.
The mayor also presided over a lantern quiz session, a “grab-the-cash” game, and a worship ritual honoring the goddess Matsu.
The 2010 Taipei Lantern Festival runs between February 26 and March 7 at the Sun Yat-san Memorial Hall and surrounding areas (from the Civic Plaza to the Renai Traffic Circle).
In addition to the main lantern and the “tunnel of light” along Renai Road, the numerous lanterns on display at the ten lantern areas feature topics such as the 2010 Taipei Intl’ Flora Expo, traditional lanterns, international lanterns, and more.
Further information on the 2010 Taipei Lantern Festival could be obtained at the event’s Chinese website (http://www.taipei-festival2010.com).