Nankan Ghost Festival recognized as Taoyuan's intangible cultural heritage

The "Nankan Five Villages Joint Ghost Festival" in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, has been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage, marking a significant milestone for the local community. The ceremony, which included the ritualistic release of water lanterns and a parade with decorated floats, was attended by Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng.

Mayor Chang presented the official certification to the chairman of the Nankan Wufu Temple, Chiu Chin-hsien. Chiu stated that the joint ghost festival has a history of at least 265 years. He attributed the preservation of this traditional ceremony to the continuous efforts of village chiefs, past temple leaders, and the local community. He emphasized that the intangible cultural heritage designation is a new milestone, and the Wufu Temple will continue its responsibility to pass down historical culture while integrating social welfare efforts.

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The Nankan Five Villages Joint Ghost Festival has a history of at least 265 years. The traditional ceremony has been well preserved to this day and received official cultural heritage recognition, all thanks to the joint efforts of the village chiefs, past爐主 (luzhu - heads of incense-paying groups), and the vast number of believers within the five villages over the years.

"We will transform the century-old incense fire into a stabilizing force for protecting Taoyuan," Chiu said. The event featured a "Releasing Water Lanterns and Blessing All Beings" ceremony, which drew many devotees praying for local peace. The festivities also included a parade of water lantern floats and decorated vehicles.

Further events are scheduled for August 27, including a "Folk Art Ghost Festival" with Buddhist rituals and a public celebration featuring traditional Taiwanese opera and folk performances. Following the ceremonies, all donated offerings, such as instant noodles and gift boxes, will be given to charity to extend the positive impact of the community's goodwill.

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Receiving the intangible cultural heritage registration is a new milestone. The Wufu Temple will continue to shoulder the responsibility of passing down historical culture, combining it with social welfare, 'to transform the century-old incense fire into a stabilizing force for protecting Taoyuan.'