As one of the 12 major Hakka festivals in Taiwan, Yimin Festival is certainly the most significant religious event held in Hsinchu County. This traditional celebration has been around for 229 years. This year, it is going to be hosted by the villages in Liu-jia Region, the cradle of Yimin Culture. In expectation of such a grand event, Hsinchu County Government employs a team responsible for filming the entire festivities. The government also hopes to show people the profound meanings of the Hakka belief through image records.
This year’s Yimin Festival makes several breakthroughs. In addition to filming a documentary and painting sacred pigs, Ju Meng Dance Troupe will be invited to Italy to attend the International Folk Fest 2017, where the dance troupe will give performances featuring “Hakka Lions” from July 25th to August 12th. Through their dance performances, the essence and spirit of Hakka culture can be introduced to Europe. To European people, this may be a rare chance to savor the beauty of Hakka culture closely on their own, while to Taiwan, this is a crucial milestone in going global.
Led by Hsinchu County Magistrate Chiu Ching-chun, the lensing and flag awarding ceremonies were held on the same day. The participants were worshipping the Yimin Braves, hoping that a series of festivities beginning on September 9th could run as smoothly as possible.