Taiwan Holidays 2018: Understanding the Official Calendar
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is an island country located in East Asia known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. Like other countries in the region, Taiwan has an official holiday calendar that reflects its unique history and customs. In this article, we'll delve into Taiwan holidays 2018, highlighting the most significant observances and festivities.
Public Holidays in Taiwan: A Brief Overview
Taiwan observes 14 national holidays in 2018, a mixture of Chinese holidays, cultural celebrations, and Western-style New Year's Day. The Taiwanese government designates national holidays, and all businesses, schools, and institutions are expected to be closed during this time.
Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebrations
- CNY, also known as the Lunar New Year, typically falls between January 21 and February 20.
- The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so the date varies from year to year.
- Taiwanese people eagerly await CNY to reunite with family, exchange gifts, and indulge in traditional foods like niangao (sticky rice cake).
- Public transportation and most businesses are closed during the three-day celebration.
National Day and Double Ten Day
National Day, or Double Ten Day, is a significant holiday in Taiwan. On October 10, 1911, the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty and resulted in the establishment of the Republic of China. In 1949, the KMT government established National Day as a remembrance of this historic event.
The government organizes grand festivities and parades in Taipei and other cities across Taiwan to commemorate the occasion.
Traditional Festivals and Celebrations
- Ghost Festival (Yu Lan Jie): This traditional festival is celebrated during the seventh month of the lunar calendar (around August).
- Dragon Boat Festival: Taking place in June, this festival marks the beginning of summer.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, this festival honors the harvest season and the full moon.
Official Taiwanese Holidays in 2018
| Chinese Name | English Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | |
| Chinese New Year's Day | January 24 | |
| Chinese New Year's Third Day | January 26 | |
| Spring Festival | January 27 | |
| Dragon Boat Festival | June 17 | |
| Qixi Festival | August 13 | |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September 23 | |
| Confucius' Birthday | September 28 | |
| Chongyang Festival | October 6 | |
| Ghost Festival | August 28, (approx.) 2018 | |
| Double Ten Day | October 10 | |
| Teachers' Day | September 28 | |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Conclusion and Final Notes
The Taiwanese holiday calendar offers a unique blend of traditional and cultural celebrations. When planning your trip to Taiwan in 2018, make sure to check the official holiday calendar to avoid disruptions and enjoy the festivities.
