Why Are There So Many Foreign Fishermen In Keelung? Keelung is famous for its iconic fishery ports. But upon closer look, there’s something off about the day-to-day activities at the bay – the fisherman manning the ships are foreigners, mainly from Southeast Asian Countries. To find out why Taiwanese people aren’t going out to sea anymore and why they were … Read More
Taiwanese Culture: Origins of the Taiwan Ghost Festival in Keelung There is a rich history attached to Taiwanese culture. The seventh month of the lunar calendar is recognized as Taiwanese Ghost Month or seventh month festival. In the northeastern part of Taiwan stands the sleepy port city of Keelung. For over 170 years, the small city has mobilized to host … Read More
Throughout the year, there are many Keelung festivals to visit. Most of these festivals operate according to the Chinese Lunar calender, so dates will vary from year to year. If you are planning on visiting Keelung or Taipei during these times, make sure you do not miss these lively festivities as Keelungers love a good reason to celebrate! February/ March … Read More
Just a few blocks down from Keelung Miaokou Night Market, you can find the red light district of Keelung. Here the lights are dim, storefronts are partially shuttered and people passing through walk hurriedly with umbrellas hiding their eyes. Rocky ledges of storefronts create a barrier to distance its owners from the street hustlers and scantily clad women; motorcycles zoom … Read More
The Rich Taiwanese Culture During the warm season in Keelung, you can enjoy the real Taiwanese culture and it’s lively atmosphere. The streets are populated by merry celebrations such as the carnival procession in memory of the birth of Keelung harbour. You can especially see the life of religious festivals brightening small towns like this. These events are kept quite secret, and … Read More
When you stay in one place for a long time, you get to know the locals and their daily lives. At the same time, you begin to see some new color to the place you are visiting because everything around you takes on new life, everything has an explanation. The locals are at the heart of Keelung culture. Mr. Peng … Read More
Keelung culture and the Ghost festival are closely intertwined. There are three artisan objects that serve as symbols of the Ghost Festival: molded figurines made of rice (midiao), wooden basket lanterns (doudeng), and paper lanterns. Over time I have been lucky enough to come to know the manufacturer of organic rice dough sculptures, known as midiao. If you search for … Read More
Previously, I talked about Taiwan culture and the heart of the Ghost Festival, which as the name implies, is intended for the spirits. Why Ghost Month in Taiwan Means Something Different in Keelung This festival in Keelung is particularly cherished because of the historical background of the city. In summary, the city was first invaded by the Chinese, then by … Read More
This article is also available in Italian. Scroll down for the Italian version. How I first encountered Ghost Month in Keelung During my time in Keelung, I met so many people and saw many places related to the Ghost Festival, an event closely tied into Taiwan culture. If I had to put into words everything I learned about this festival, I … Read More
People give color to a place, and people are at the heart of Keelung culture. I was lucky enough to talk to the Taoist priest who presides at ceremonies during the Ghost Festival. In the priest’s home was the most complete of all Taoist altars I have ever seen. In addition to the usual gods, it also contained some peculiar … Read More
