Amis Harvest Festival protest targets 'King of Hualien'; party warns against exploiting indigenous rituals

A protest during Taiwan's Amis Harvest Festival has ignited debate over the use of indigenous celebrations for political gain. A young Amis man, dressed in traditional attire, held signs at the Hualien County Government's "2026 Pacific South Island Joint Harvest Festival" stating, "I don't like the Joint Harvest Festival, I don't want to be a political propaganda tool for the King of Hualien." He was subsequently escorted away by police, who cited his alleged mask and weapon possession as reasons for concern.

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I don't like the Joint Harvest Festival, I don't want to be a political propaganda tool for the King of Hualien.

Taiwan Statebuilding Party candidate for Hualien County Councilor, Meng Fan-chia, criticized the incident, stating that indigenous festivals are cultural memories shared by the community, not performances or tourist events. She argued that tribes should decide how to hold and pass down their traditions, rather than allowing government officials or politicians to define them.

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This incident not only tests Taiwan's freedom of speech but also highlights the concern that indigenous festivals may become a stage for political power utilization and display.

Meng Fan-chia pointed out that the Hualien County Government, under Fu Kun-chi's administration, has heavily promoted the "Joint Harvest Festival," transforming tribal ceremonies into large-scale county events that blend tourism, media promotion, and political agendas. She questioned whether this approach truly preserves culture or merely commodifies it, and whether it respects tribal autonomy or serves as a political stage.

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The tribal ceremonies are not performances or tourist activities, but shared cultural memories of the tribe, ancestors, land, family, and community.

The protestor's detention, despite his peaceful demonstration, has raised concerns about freedom of speech and the potential for indigenous cultural spaces to be exploited by political powers. Meng Fan-chia praised the young man's courage and independent thinking, seeing it as a sign of hope for Hualien. She expressed a vision for Hualien where culture returns to the tribes, festivals are for the people, and decision-making power rests with the communities, not with any single politician.

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Is this preserving culture or consuming culture? Is it respecting the tribes or shaping a political stage?