Hundreds of people from around Taiwan assembled in Taitung County’s Luyeh Township Aug. 6 for the fourth annual environmental love festival, which involved stretching out on the ground to embrace the earth and the sky.
Presided over by county magistrate Justin Huang and other local officials, the event proved a huge hit, providing participants with a new perspective on life and their surrounds.
“The festival is quite meaningful, and more and more people are taking part each year,” Huang said.
One married couple of four decades said it was their first time to participate in the festival, despite living in the area for many years. “The experience is best described as interesting,” they said, adding that they would definitely return next year.
A mother and son, who traveled from Taitung City to join the event, said it was a special experience, especially with so many couples in the crowd hugging and kissing.
The festival is just one of the reasons why Taitung is Taiwan’s top travel destination this summer. Other headline attractions in Taitung this summer include the East Coast Music Festival, which runs Aug. 19 to 21, an international surfing event and a mega New Year’s party.
“Bus, plane and train tickets have been sold out for months, with hotels booked solid,” Huang said. “This is definitely the place to be seen in 2011.”
(This article appeared Aug. 7 in The Liberty Times.)