Kinmen's Parent-Child Centipede Seat Carnival celebrates folk heritage

Kinmen buzzed with activity as the annual Parent-Child Centipede Seat Carnival unfolded, a vibrant prelude to the upcoming "Welcoming the City God" festival on May 28. This unique cultural event saw over 100 children, adorned as historical characters like princes and princesses, form a spectacular "centipede" that snaked through the streets of Jincheng town.

The procession, stretching nearly 100 meters, lasted for close to two hours. Before the parade, the children gathered at the Jincheng Junior High School gymnasium for elaborate costume changes and makeup. Accompanied by over 300 parents, volunteers, and staff, the participants transformed into their characters, embodying a cherished folk tradition.

This year's carnival saw unprecedented public interest, with registration slots filling up within 10 minutes. The event attracted not only local families but also many Kinmen natives living in Taiwan who returned specifically to partake in the festivities. The "Centipede Seat," a tradition characterized by being carried by human effort, serves as a powerful symbol of unity, reinforcing the "military and civilian as one family" ethos that resonates deeply within the Kinmen community.

Several local dignitaries, including Wu Tsung-yen, executive director of the Kinma Joint Service Center, and Li Wen-liang, deputy magistrate of Kinmen County, were present to witness the ceremonial launch. The event highlighted the strong community bonds and the successful preservation of traditional culture, making the small town feel alive with Kinmen's unique human touch.