Taiwan Public Holidays
Taiwan Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Taiwan? All public holidays in Taiwan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Taiwan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Public holidays in Taiwan reflect the rich history, cultural diversity, and religious traditions of the island. Taiwan’s holidays combine traditional Chinese festivals, important political events, and modern celebrations. The country’s calendar features holidays that honor ancestors, mark seasonal changes, celebrate the nation’s achievements, and recognize key moments in its history. Public holidays are significant to the social and cultural fabric of Taiwan, as they are times for family gatherings, community celebrations, and reflection on Taiwan’s identity.
Major National Public Holidays in Taiwan
Founding of the Republic of China (New Year’s Day)
Date: January 1st
According to sportingology.com, New Year’s Day in Taiwan celebrates the founding of the Republic of China (ROC) on January 1, 1912. The ROC, which is Taiwan’s official government, was established after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, marking the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.
Historical Significance
- End of imperial rule: The ROC was established after the Xinhai Revolution, which ended over 2,000 years of imperial rule in China.
- Symbol of Taiwan’s government: While the ROC initially governed all of China, it retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War. January 1st marks the creation of this government, which continues to operate in Taiwan.
Celebrations
- National ceremonies: Official ceremonies are held to commemorate the establishment of the ROC, often involving government speeches and flag-raising ceremonies.
- Fireworks and festivities: As it coincides with global New Year’s celebrations, fireworks, concerts, and parties take place in cities across Taiwan, with Taipei 101 being a focal point for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)
Date: Varies (based on the lunar calendar, usually in late January or February)
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Taiwan. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, traditional rituals, and festive celebrations.
Cultural Significance
- Family unity: Lunar New Year is centered around family gatherings, with relatives often traveling long distances to reunite.
- Tradition and renewal: The holiday represents new beginnings, with rituals meant to bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year.
Traditions and Celebrations
- Family dinners: The New Year’s Eve dinner, known as Tuan Yuan Fan, is the most significant meal of the year, with dishes symbolizing good luck, such as dumplings, fish, and glutinous rice cakes.
- Giving red envelopes: Elders give hongbao (red envelopes filled with money) to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing good luck and blessings.
- Firecrackers and fireworks: Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits, while fireworks light up the night sky in celebration.
- Spring cleaning: In the days leading up to the new year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome in good fortune.
Peace Memorial Day
Date: February 28th
Peace Memorial Day, also known as 228 Memorial Day, commemorates the February 28 Incident of 1947, when protests against government corruption were violently suppressed by the Kuomintang (KMT), resulting in a period of political repression known as the White Terror.
Historical Importance
- Legacy of the 228 Incident: The protests, which began in Taipei, quickly spread throughout Taiwan, leading to widespread violence and a tragic loss of life. The incident became a symbol of the struggle for democracy and human rights in Taiwan.
- White Terror period: The aftermath of the incident marked the beginning of a period of martial law and repression, which lasted for decades.
Commemorations
- Official ceremonies: The government holds memorial services at the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei and other locations across the island to honor the victims.
- Remembrance and reflection: Many people use the day to reflect on Taiwan’s history and the importance of human rights, democracy, and freedom.
- Public speeches and exhibitions: Cultural exhibitions, documentaries, and discussions on the events of 1947 are often held to educate the public about this tragic period in Taiwan’s history.
Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival)
Date: April 4th or 5th (depending on the lunar calendar)
Tomb-Sweeping Day, or Qingming Festival, is a traditional holiday during which Taiwanese families honor their ancestors by visiting their graves and cleaning their tombs. It is also known as a time to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Cultural Significance
- Ancestor veneration: Qingming is an important event in Taiwan’s culture, reflecting the Confucian value of filial piety and respect for one’s ancestors.
- Connection to nature: The holiday also marks the beginning of the spring season, symbolizing renewal and growth.
Observances
- Tomb sweeping: Families visit ancestral graves, clear away debris, and offer food, tea, and incense to honor the deceased.
- Paper offerings: People burn joss paper (spirit money) and symbolic items to provide for their ancestors in the afterlife.
- Picnics and outings: Qingming is also a time for families to spend time outdoors, with some families enjoying picnics near their ancestors’ graves or visiting scenic spots.
Labor Day
Date: May 1st
Labor Day in Taiwan celebrates the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy and society. It is a day to recognize the importance of labor rights and advocate for fair treatment in the workplace.
Importance
- Global observance: Labor Day is part of the international workers’ rights movement, recognized in many countries around the world.
- Worker rights: The holiday highlights the importance of labor unions and the protection of workers’ rights in Taiwan.
Celebrations
- Public rallies: Labor unions organize rallies and protests advocating for better working conditions, wages, and labor laws.
- Family time: Many workers take the day off to spend time with their families and relax, as it is a rare public holiday for the working class.
Dragon Boat Festival
Date: Varies (based on the lunar calendar, usually in June)
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated with dragon boat races, rituals to ward off disease, and the consumption of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). It commemorates the life and death of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan.
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Qu Yuan: The Dragon Boat Festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against government corruption. The festival reflects his loyalty and the people’s efforts to save him.
- Ward off evil spirits: The holiday is also associated with the summer solstice and rituals to prevent illness, symbolized by activities like hanging mugwort and calamus plants.
Celebrations
- Dragon boat races: The most iconic element of the festival is the dragon boat races, where teams row ornately decorated boats in synchronization. Cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung host major races that draw large crowds.
- Zongzi: Families prepare and eat zongzi, which are pyramid-shaped dumplings filled with glutinous rice, meat, and beans, wrapped in bamboo leaves.
- Hanging herbs: Homes are decorated with medicinal herbs believed to ward off diseases and bring good health.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
Date: Varies (based on the lunar calendar, usually in September or October)
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a harvest festival celebrating the full moon and giving thanks for the year’s bountiful harvest. It is also associated with family reunions and the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess.
Cultural Significance
- Harvest celebration: Traditionally, the festival marks the end of the autumn harvest, when families come together to celebrate the abundance of the season.
- Chang’e legend: The festival is linked to the famous myth of Chang’e, who ascended to the moon after drinking an elixir of immortality, making the moon a symbol of reunion and longing.
Celebrations
- Mooncakes: Mooncakes are a central part of the celebration, symbolizing the full moon and family unity. These round pastries are filled with sweet or savory fillings and are shared among family members.
- Barbecues and gatherings: Families and friends often gather for barbecues or picnics, enjoying outdoor time together under the full moon.
- Lanterns: In some parts of Taiwan, people release lanterns into the night sky or participate in local lantern festivals, creating a magical atmosphere.
National Day (Double Ten Day)
Date: October 10th
National Day, also known as Double Ten Day, commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which eventually led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China.
Historical Importance
- Start of the revolution: The Wuchang Uprising was the catalyst for the Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China.
- National pride: Double Ten Day is Taiwan’s most important national holiday, celebrating the founding of the ROC and the values of democracy and freedom.
Celebrations
- Military parade: A grand military parade is held in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, showcasing Taiwan’s military strength and national pride.
- Fireworks and festivities: Cities across Taiwan host large-scale fireworks displays, concerts, and cultural performances, particularly in Taipei.
- Flag-raising ceremony: A ceremonial raising of the ROC flag takes place in front of the Presidential Office, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem.
Other Significant Public Holidays in Taiwan
Mother’s Day
Date: Second Sunday of May
Mother’s Day is widely celebrated in Taiwan, honoring the love, care, and sacrifices made by mothers across the country.
Significance
- Celebrating mothers: Mother’s Day is an occasion to show appreciation for mothers and maternal figures, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and family respect.
Observances
- Family gatherings: Many families celebrate Mother’s Day with special meals, gifts, and outings. Restaurants and cafes are often packed with families honoring their mothers.
- Gift-giving: Common gifts include flowers, cards, and small presents that show gratitude and love.
Teacher’s Day
Date: September 28th
Teacher’s Day in Taiwan honors Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher and educator, and celebrates the contributions of teachers to society.
Cultural Significance
- Confucius’ influence: Confucius is regarded as the greatest teacher in Chinese history, and Teacher’s Day commemorates his birthday.
- Respect for education: Teacher’s Day emphasizes the respect and reverence for educators, aligning with Confucian values of knowledge and learning.
Celebrations
- Ceremonies for Confucius: Special ceremonies, known as Confucius Memorial Ceremonies, are held in Confucian temples across Taiwan, featuring music, rituals, and the presentation of offerings to Confucius.
- School events: Schools often organize events to honor teachers, with students presenting gifts, letters, or performances to show appreciation.
Christmas Day
Date: December 25th
While Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Taiwan, it has gained popularity in recent years due to Western influence and is celebrated as a commercial and festive occasion.
Modern Celebrations
- Decorations and lights: Major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, particularly around shopping centers.
- Festive events: Christmas markets, concerts, and themed events are organized in urban areas, creating a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
