BaiShaKeng Lantern Parade (白沙坑迎燈排), a culturally distinctive and historically rich Lantern Festival folk tradition in Taiwan, will take place March 1-3 at Wende Temple in Huatan Township, Changhua County. The County Mayor, Huatan Township Mayor, and Wende Temple Chairman invite visitors from across Taiwan to Changhua to experience this one-of-a-kind centuries-old tradition. 
 
The annual BaiShaKeng Lantern Parade is the only Lantern Festival celebration in Taiwan centered on the “lantern parade” tradition. It was officially recognized in 2008 as an important intangible cultural heritage of Changhua and has been passed down for 198 years. The Fude God enshrined at Wende Temple is the only Earth God depicted wearing a traditional Chinese official hat, and the statue itself is over 300 years old. Believers gather to receive blessings from the deity, praying for peace and prosperity throughout the community. 
 
From March 1-3, the festival will feature a Lantern Art Zone and a Lantern Parade Display Zone throughout the three days. Visitors can enjoy “Tofu Pudding with Tangyuan” as well as a lively “Food and Goods Street” daily, while evenings will highlight the “Pilgrimage and Blessing Ceremony.” On March 1, the morning program includes a “Beiguan Performance,” followed by a “Community Talent Show” in the evening. On March 2, school clubs will take the stage with their performances in the morning. On March 3, the Lantern Festival night will feature the “Lighting Ceremony” and the “BaiShaKeng Lantern Parade.” Join the festivities at Wende Temple to immerse yourself in the vibrant Lantern Festival atmosphere and experience the charm of a cultural tradition passed down for over a century. 
 
This year’s special offerings include horse-themed mini lanterns, fortune money, and commemorative coins. In addition, the Taiwanese-language illustrated storybook The Fantastic Journey of the BaiShaKeng Lantern Parade, published by the Cultural Affairs Bureau in 2024, will be showcased in a dedicated picture book section. This allows both children and adults to easily learn about the origins of the BaiShaKeng Lantern Parade through engaging storytelling. 
 
For more information, please visit the official website of the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau: https://www.bocach.gov.tw/lanternrow.htm