00:00A nearly two-century old tradition honoring the dead is alive and well in Keelung.
00:09Tens of thousands of people, with organizers claiming record numbers,
00:13traveled to the Northern Port City for the annual Midsummer Ghost Festival,
00:18Taiwan's largest ghost month celebration.
00:20The festival began in 1851 to end violent feuds between local clans,
00:46using rituals to honor and appease wandering spirits.
00:49Since then, it has grown into Taiwan's largest ghost month celebration.
00:54Over the years, modern elements like loud music and colorful lights have been added.
01:01Its most famous event, the burning and release of the water lanterns,
01:05remains largely unchanged, deeply rooted in local traditions and rituals honoring and appeasing spirits.
01:12We will bring up these beasts of the dead.
01:18And then put them to the end and enjoy.
01:21And then we will enjoy the rest of them and enjoy the food we serve.
01:23To enjoy the rest of the world.
01:25So we will enjoy the food we have provided.
01:27While many of the traditions remain unchanged, the crowds have grown far larger.
01:37Still, participants want to do more to attract younger attendees and ensure their traditions
01:42are passed on.
01:57Their efforts seem to be working.
02:06Keelung's PAC Street Show that a festival meant to bring local clans together is now drawing
02:10people from across the country and across generations.
02:14Luffy Lee, Pichi Zhuang and Bryn Thomas for Taiwan Plus.
Comments