About Yanshuei Beehive Fireworks
Yanshuei Beehive Fireworks Festival is listed as one of the world’s three major folk festivals, and is also one of the most significant religious activities in Taiwan. Legend has it that the fireworks originated near the end of the 19th century during the Qing Dynasty. Back then there was a plague, and due to the lack of knowledge concerning medicine and treatment, the death toll increased every day. The terrified locals prayed to Guan Yu, or the Holy Ruler Deity Guan, and asked him for help. The deity replied that on the night of Lantern Festival Day, the deity will parade through the streets of Yanshuei, and followers must set off firecrackers/fireworks as they trailed behind the deity’s holy sedan chair. The procession lasted until dawn, and the plague was no more. So the later generations carried on this custom and would welcome the Holy Ruler Deity Guan to make his rounds every year on the night of Lantern Festival Day. Every Lantern Festival night, the holy sedan chair slowly parades through the streets of Yanshuei, surrounded by followers and visitors. When the sedan chair passes the doorways of stores and residences, racks of fireworks will be lit, sending firecrackers flying everywhere! People believe that after running through the flying fireworks, you can get rid of bad luck and have a prosperous and wonderful new year.
Source: https://www.eventaiwan.tw/cal/cal_16943
Protection gear
If you plan to enter the firecracker zone in the sports field of Yanshuei Junior High, you must wear full protective gear (as shown in the photo). After you reach downtown Yanshuei, you will find vendors selling thick jackets, helmets, and gloves. So don’t worry if you do not come fully prepared.
Design Your Own Protection Suite to Win 10,000 NTD (Submit before 2019 Feb 11)
Experiencing Beehive Assembling Workshop
2019 Yanshuei "Beehive" Fireworks Assembling Workshop & Old Street Cultural Tour
Dates and Locations
- On Monday, February 18, 19:30 Emperor Guan Temple
The holy sedan chair will depart from the temple and parade through Yanshuei. Followers along the way will set off firework racks in front of their doorways. - On Tuesday, February 19, 21:00 Yanshuei Junior High
The main firework rack will be set up on the sports field of Yanshuei Junior High. A large quantity of beehive fireworks will be lit simultaneously for participants to experience the excitement of “running through the beehive fireworks”. - Between Tuesday, February 19, at 18:00 and Wednesday dawn, February 20 Through the entire district
The holy sedan chair will parade through the entire district, and followers along the way will set off beehive fireworks.
Services during the Festival
- On that day the Tainan City police department Xinying Branch Yanshuei Station will set up a temporary service center in case of any emergency or if visitors need any assistance.
- Yanshuei Station: No. 23, Wumiao Rd., Yanshuei District, 300 meters in front of the Great Emperor Guan Temple.
Official Website of Yanshuei Beehive Fireworks Festival 2019
More Places to Visit
Attractions for Yanshuei and Houbi Route
Yanshuei Beehive Firework Tour Package
Diverting Scene Studio Tour Package
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