Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Taiwan

Lunar New Year is one of the most important and eagerly anticipated holidays in Taiwan. When Lunar New Year is approaching, the mood throughout the country is joyous and festive. There are a number of Taiwanese customs and traditions associated with the festival.

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Taiwanese families celebrate with the New Year’s Eve dinner, which is referred to as “gathering around the stove.” At dinner, people often eat rice cake, which symbolizes “reaching new heights,” and adults then give the younger members of the family red envelopes with money inside. The red envelope is thought to bring peace and good fortune to the recipients. After dinner, people stay up for New Year’s Eve. This is referred to as “keeping of the year,” which means witnessing the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. Once the clock strikes midnight, people set off firecrackers to welcome the arrival of the New Year.

When Lunar New Year is approaching, Taiwanese markets across the country begin specializing in the sale of Lunar New Year items. These markets serve as an excellent opportunity to experience the unique culture and feel of the Lunar New Year holiday atmosphere in Taiwan. The famous Dihua Street, which is also the part of the historic Dadaocheng area, is one of the most popular New Year markets in Taiwan. A walk through the Dihua Street Lunar New Year Shopping Area gives visitors a taste of Taiwan’s traditional culture. The market has scores of shops selling a variety of goods for Lunar New Year, including many different types of Taiwanese food/drink, such as snacks, various kinds of nuts, traditional candy, and tea, as well as other products such as spring couplets and red envelopes.

Lunar New Year begins on February 12. We hope that this specially designed 3D card can help share the joy of the holiday season with you! Taiwan Tourism Bureau New York Office wishes you a blessed and prosperous 2021.