The Bombing of Master Handan
(“The Bombing of Master Handan” event cancelled due to preventing the spread of COVID-19)
Lantern Festival is on a long weekend this year! On this special holiday, we get to eat dessert dumplings, look at colorful lanterns and guess traditional lantern riddles. But, the best thing about this holiday is heading to Taitung to watch The Bombing of Master Handan – an exciting fireworks procession. At this event, visitors really get a feel for Taitung’s unique local culture. Come enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and find yourself in the midst of a heart-pumping barrage of firecrackers. This is an event you’ll surely remember for years to come!
The three most famous Lantern Festival traditions in Taiwan are the sky lanterns of Pingxi in the north, the beehive firecrackers set off in Yanshui in the south, and The Bombing of Master Handan of Taitung in the east. The Bombing of Master Handan is Taitung’s most famous event and has been held for over 60 years. Throngs of tourists come to Taitung every year to witness this unique local festival that has become Taiwan’s most spectacular Lantern Festival event. Every year, the gods choose several people to act as Master Handan. These brave souls are paraded around on celestial thrones while a barrage of firecrackers are hurled their way. According to folklore, the more firecrackers you throw at Master Handan, the greater fortune you will enjoy during the new year. The Bombing of Master Handan will be held on February 26 and 27 (the 15th and 16th days of the Chinese lunar calendar). There will also be an evening fireworks show after Master Handan’s voyage around the city. For those interested in attending, please look out for announcements from the Taitung City Office and the XuanWu Temple of Taitung 臺東玄武堂.
Please note: This event carries a risk of injury. To ensure your safety, be sure to wear long-sleeved clothing. Also, make sure to bring ear plugs, a hat and a face mask to protect yourself from the loud noise, heavy smoke and stray firecrackers. Please don’t rush forward or block Master Handan’s procession when it passes by. Finally, for those bringing children, make sure they are close to you at all times to ensure their safety.
(“The Bombing of Master Handan” event cancelled due to preventing the spread of COVID-19)
Date：Sat, Feb 26th 2021 to Sun, Feb 27th 2021
Location：Taitung City （Route of Divine Procession Yet to Be Determined/Procession Route Will Be Announced Soon）
Organizer：Taitung County Government, Taitung City Office, Xuanwu Temple & Handan Temple
Official Website：https://www.facebook.com/masterhandan/
