00:01Crackling firecrackers and clouds of smoke engulfed this man, here to represent a god of wealth.
00:07The bombing of Master Handan is an explosive lantern festival tradition in southeastern Taiwan
00:13and one of Taiwan's top three folk custom events.
00:17Locals believe that the stronger the blasts, the greater the prosperity.
00:21The human stand-ins for the Master are mainly volunteers who undergo careful physical and mental tests before being blown
00:28up.
00:37It's a thrilling activity that's attracted tourists from Taiwan and the world, but it's still a dangerous one.
00:45Every year, many Handan proxies are sent to the hospital after serious burns in the media line of fire.
00:51This year, one proxy even ended up with second-degree burns.
00:56Spectators are also urged to keep a safe distance and wear protective gear.
01:00Still, it's a tradition some here intend to keep.
01:03It's a very good culture, the Taitung Museum.
01:08It's a tradition, and it's really cool to see the whole world.
01:12Apart from all the explosions at the Taitung event, 76 local temples take a calmer, less bombastic approach
01:20by joining on a lantern festival pilgrimage, clearing away evil spirits and praying for a good year.
01:27Ryan Wu and Irene Lin for Taiwan Plus.
01:29The Bachelors
01:31You
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