Listed as one of the world’s three major folk festivals, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is one of the most significant religious activities in Taiwan.
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The traditional Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival in Tainan kicked off thunderously at the Yanshui Guan Di Temple on Tuesday, marking the start of this year’s lantern festival celebrations. The event, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, features tens of thousands of fireworks launched simultaneously, lighting up the night sky.
Participants must adhere to strict safety protocols and cultural taboos while attending the festival. Festival-goers are required to wear full protective gear, including full-face helmets, masks, thick cotton clothing, and to secure their pant legs with rubber bands to prevent fireworks from getting inside. The temple committee emphasizes that spectators must not obstruct the fireworks' path, as this is considered disrespectful to the deities.
Temple Committee Chairperson Wong Tsai-chin (翁再進) explained that all fireworks towers are dedicated to Guan Di (the God of War), making it essential to observe proper etiquette. Additionally, those who are mourning or menstruating are advised not to attend, and touching the fireworks towers is strictly forbidden. The festival features 250 firework towers spread across multiple routes, continuing for two consecutive days to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.