Pingxi became world famous thanks to its sky lanterns. Festival sky lanterns is one of the three most popular and well-known celebrations in the framework of the Lantern Festival. There is Fireworks Festival in Tainan and salutes in Taitung.
Starting from 1999 year, Taipei County Government allocates substantial financial resources to support the development of this festival, that he popularized the ethnic culture of Taiwan at the international level. For example, in 2013 was a big tourist publication Fordor-x recognized Festival sky lanterns one of the international festivals, that person must visit during their lifetime.
This grand celebration is a tradition to launch sky lanterns, pray to the God of heaven and the prosperity of all the peoples of the world. Annually for the discharge of sky lanterns, Thousands of tourists come to this festival in February, marking the official end of Chinese New Year.
According to legend, the emergence of the holiday dates back to the dynasty Xing (more than two thousand years ago). In those days, a gang of robbers often raided villages, that were located in the valleys, forcing local residents to flee in the mountains. Rural guards used “fireballs” as signals to inform the refugees about, that the robbers left, and again in home security. When residents, who hid in the mountains, saw flashes in the sky, you know, what could go home.
Currently lanterns serve a different purpose. They started to run to scare away evil and sickness from the city. Thousands of lanterns, personally decorated with various wishes of visitors, were a sign, that the city has successfully lived another year.
Festival guests can write their fondest wishes on the lantern, and then release it into the sky in any part of the city, in the hope, that their dreams will come true. And start lanterns not only individuals, but the whole official organizations, lanterns which can reach 10 meters in height and are consistent with zodiac signs Chinese astrology.
Flashlights are made of special oiled rice paper, Sheepskin, strands of bamboo, silk or satin, and at the bottom is equipped with a large candle. And as you can buy lanterns of all shapes and colors, and to make their own (held in the town of paid training courses for this uncomplicated art).
The main event run sky lanterns broadcast on the big screen, for their flight watch thousands of videos- and cameras, appeared on the scene invited numerous celebrities and musicians.
Some launch lanterns into the sky from the railway tracks at Old Street, risking to fall under the wheels of a train, which takes place every 15 minutes. Collective run starts at 18-30 and ends in 21-30, new lanterns are launched every 20 minutes. Once the candle is lit, Flashlight rises into the sky and lingers in the air while burning candle flame. The average flight lasts about a flashlight 15 minutes, at the same time he can reach a height of about 200 meters, and then gently lowered to the ground and goes.
Thousands of people from all over the world come here, to see the magnificent picture of flight countless lanterns in the sky. After the festival in Pingxi can admire as the sky lights up with thousands of colored lights. If you're looking for a little magic, then, perhaps, There is no more fantastic spectacle, than the sky, sparkling with thousands of floating lanterns. During the festival, they are released into the sky more than two hundred thousand pieces! Captures the spirit, when the dark sky suddenly becomes all the desires of people from the sun, flying in the sky!
But even if you miss the festival, it is quite possible to release sky lanterns, make a wish, Believe, it will certainly come true. The most important thing – believe in miracles!
Фото: http://www.rsvlts.com/2014/09/05/floating-lantern-festival-pics/
Festival website: www.eventaiwan.tw
