The Harvest Festival celebration in the tribal village of Fataan in Hualien's Guangfu Township is the largest and last of the summer in eastern Taiwan.
The chanting of ancient songs kicks off the Harvest Festival celebration and is immediately followed by competitions demonstrating traditional skills, including bundling firewood, pounding millet in a pestle, carrying water, and races featuring teams of "five people and six legs" (with teammates bound together in a row by their legs). These activities create great fun and excitement. Outside, under blue skies, the totems erected by the locals appear even more impressive. One can almost feel the presence of the Amis ancestors, offering their blessings and good wishes.
The singing and dancing are by far the most important performances. The performers, divided into groups by age, wear bright costumes. Although out under the blazing sun, they nonetheless give their all, throwing themselves into the music and dance. Who cares what place you get! Raise your two arms, shake your booty and dance, dance! Let's party!
The Harvest Festival reaches a romantic finale on the third day with a tribal version of the Dating Game. While we're at it, let's make a date to do this again next year!
Guangfu Township, Hualien County
Guangfu Township, Hualien County
Guangfu Township, Hualien County
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