In a few parts of southern Taiwan, the most important event on the calendar comes around just once every five years. Though this festival was once more widespread than it is today, a few villages are making sure the event keeps going.
Just three villages of indigenous Paiwan people still celebrate the great homecoming of the ancestral spirits, said to take place just once every five years. But for the people of these villages, the celebrations are just as important as ever.
The return of ancestral spirits come to check in on their descendants is an important occasion. But there is a traditional fear that these spirits might not want to leave when it comes time for them to depart again. For this reason, a chief will visit every house in the village when the time comes as a reminder.
At this point, the people traditionally give crops as an offering of thanks. But this tradition has evolved into a piñata-like scramble for candy, as the owner of each house climbs onto their rooftop and throws down treats for their fellow villagers to catch. It’s an adaptation of tradition that helps keep the festival alive in the few remaining places where it’s observed.