The Presidential Office is staging a special celebratory event June 25 to 27 on Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei City as part of the annual Dragon Boat Festival.
Organized by Taipei-headquartered General Association of Chinese Culture, the temple fair-inspired extravaganza will feature a farmers’ market, folk recitals, indie band concerts, puppet shows, stage plays and Taiwanese opera performances.
High-profile attendees include President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Lai Ching-te and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung, one of the main architects and implementers of the fight against COVID-19.
Proceedings are set to commence with an evening performance of the musical “Farewell to Beitou” by Wu Nien-jen. The acclaimed author, director and scriptwriter will lead a troupe of top Taiwan talents in delivering a condensed version of the much-loved story about the trials and tribulations of everyday people in the northern Taipei district.
According to Presidential Office spokesperson Kolas Yotaka, the event is expected to help the public embrace a post-pandemic new life filled with opportunities for artistic engagement and self-expression. It will also support the spiritual development of the people, she said, adding that this is key as culture is the beating heart of Taiwan society.
Chou Jih-haw, director-general of the Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said Coronavirus-combating measures will be in force at all times during the three-day gathering.
Although it is summer in Taiwan, Chou said, participants are reminded to wear face masks at all times. Temporary physical discomfort is a small price to pay for an arts and culture event certain to benefit the mental health and well-being of the people. (TYT-E)