Taiwan Holidays, Events & Festivals

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One of my favorite things about living in Taiwan is learning about the culture. And with culture, come the celebrated Taiwanese holidays, events and festivals throughout the year. And trust me, there are plenty of them. Many of which, are celebrated in other parts of the world as well (e.g. Chinese New Years, Dragon Boat Festival, etc.).

Whenever planning a trip to Taiwan, it’s important to know what’s happening in the country so you can tailor your itinerary to your desire. For example, one might find something like the Taiwan Lantern Festival intriguing and want to include that into their trip.

I have gone through the trouble of listing the best-known annual Taiwan festivals, special events and holidays. Please note that the dates may vary depending on the lunar calendar and are liable to change.

JANUARY

Republic Day/New Years – National Holiday – Don’t miss out on the Taipei 101 New Years Fireworks that go off at midnight. It’s truly a spectacular view to watch – one of the best fireworks show you’ll ever see. (January 1)

Bridge Day – National Holiday – (January 2)

FEBRUARY

Farmer’s Day – Observance – (February 4)

Valentine’s Day – Observance – Yes, the people of Taiwan celebrate western Valentine’s Day as well. They actually have 3 separate Valentines Day that they celebrate. This is a country of love. (February 14)

Chinese New Year’s Eve – National Holiday – Many restaurants and businesses are closed during this day in Taiwan. Not recommended to come during this time unless you’re visiting people. (February 18)

Chinese New Years – National Holiday – Many places will certainly be closed. If you aren’t celebrating with relatives, there is always good ol’ Mcdonalds opened. (February 19)

Chinese New Years Day 1 – National Holiday (February 20)

Chinese New Years Day 2 – National Holiday (February 21)

Chinese New Years Day 3 – National Holiday (February 22)

Chinese New Years Day 4 – National Holiday (February 23)

228 Memorial Day Observed – National Holiday – (February 27)

228 Memorial Day – National Holiday – (February 28)

MARCH

Taiwan Lantern Festival – Observance (March 5)

Tourism Day – Observance (March 5)

Women’s Day – Observance (March 8)

Arbor Day – Observance (March 12)

White Valentine’s Day – Observance – The second Valentine’s Day celebrated exactly a month from western Valentines. For White Valentine’s Day, the girls spoil the boys. (March 14)

Youth Day – Observance (March 29)

APRIL

Children’s Day Observed – National Holiday (April 4)

Children’s Day – National Holiday (April 5)

Tomb Sweeping Day – National Holiday – People take this day to visit the graves of their ancestors with family (April 6)

Kuan Yin’s Birthday – Observance (April 7)

MAY

Labor Day – National Holiday (May 1)

God of Medicine’s Birthday – Observance (May 3)

Literary Day – Observance (May 4)

Mother’s Day – Observance – This is the same Mother’s Day Holiday that we celebrate in the states (May 10)

Matsu’s Birthday – Observance (May 11)

Buddha’s Birthday – Observance (May

JUNE

Opium Suppression Movement Day – Observance (June 3)

Dragon Boat Festival Day 1 – National Holiday (June 19)

Dragon Boat Festival Day 2– National Holiday (June 20)

Kuan Kung’s Birthday – Observance (June 28)

Chen Huang’s Birthday – Observance (June 28)

JULY

n/a

AUGUST

Father’s Day – Observance – Chinese father’s day is celebrated on August 8 (8/8) because in Chinese Mandarin, saying “eight eight” sounds like “dad.” (August 8)

Chi Hsi Festival – Observance (August 20)

Ghost Festival – Observance (August 28)

SEPTEMBER

Armed Forces Day – Observance (September 3)

Mid-Autumn Festival – National Holiday (September 26)

Mid-Autumn Festival – National Holiday (September 27)

Mid-Autumn Festival – National Holiday (September 28)

Teacher’s Day – Observance (September 28)

OCTOBER

National Day/ Double Tenth Observed – National Holiday (October 9)

National Day/ Double Tenth – National Holiday (October 10)

Double Ninth Day – Observance (October 21)

Overseas Chinese Day – Observance (October 21)

Taiwan’s Retrocession Day – Observance (October 25)

NOVEMBER

Sun Yat-Sen’s Birthday – Observance (November 12)

Saisiat Festival – Observance (November 26)

DECEMBER

Dongzhi Festival – Observance (December 22)

Constitution Day – Observance (December 25)

Christmas Day – Observance – Christmas Day in Taiwan is not nearly the same as it in the western countries. They celebrate it as a sort of Valentine’s Day, where you get together with your loved one and enjoy a nice dinner out or something. (December 25)