Taichung, Taiwan (Indonesia Window) - The Lantern Festival to celebrate the 15th day of the Chinese New Year has become one of the important national events in Taiwan since it was first held in 1990.

In 2020, organizing the Lantern Festival is a challenge for the Taiwanese central government and the Taichung city administration, where the event is held, because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

At a press conference in Taichung on Saturday (Feb 8), Taichung’s Deputy Mayor Lee hop Ron dah said people and foreign tourists should not worry about the outbreak in the festival venue.

"A number of measures have been taken. Visitors can wear masks and always use hand sanitizers," the deputy mayor said.

In addition, he continued, the 31st Lantern Festival on February 8 - 23 was held on the World Flora Expo Forest. As it is an open area, the possibility of virus spreading is very small.

"We concern about the security of the venue. Various comprehensive measures have been taken," the deputy mayor said.

Festival

The location of Taiwan’s Lantern Festival changes every year with a different theme that highlights the natural landscape, potentials and culture of the city host.

The Tourism Bureau at the Taiwanese Ministry of Transportation and Communication launched more creative ideas for the 2020 Lantern Festival in Taichung with the concept of ecological sustainability.

The concept is in line with the Taichung which is famous for flower plantations, forest parks and horse ranch in Houli District.

Despite displaying traditions, the Lantern Festival in Taichung also features technology and innovations with spectacular night lighting effects.

With the general theme of Dazzling Taichung, the 2020 Lantern Festival has three exhibition venues with different themes, namely, Children’s Paradise which is suitable for families and children; Mysterious Forest that highlights the diversity of forests as well as a merger of ecological sustainability, art and aesthetics; and Art World where the traditional lanterns are displayed with multimedia technology of images, sounds, folklores and arts.

Reporting by Indonesia Window