TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pingtung County's Hengchun Township held traditional Ghost Festival rituals ahead of its annual pole-climbing competition on Aug. 27, CNA reported Wednesday.
Organizers raised a 21-meter bamboo pole at the competition site as part of a traditional "lantern pole" ceremony. The ritual is meant to invite spirits to join the festival, per Liberty Times.
Hengchun Township Mayor Yu Shih-ching (尤史經) also led a ceremony at East Gate Bridge to welcome spirits believed to remain in the water. Both rituals were held in preparation for the main festival events on Aug. 26 and 27.
Yu said the pole-climbing competition is an important Hengchun tradition that should continue even though government funding is lower this year. He thanked Hengchun Gaoshanyan Fude Temple for donating NT$500,000 (US$15,300) and said the township government would also provide funding.
CTS News reported that the pole-climbing competition will take place on the evening of Aug. 27, with prize money of NT$1.15 million. Organizers expect about 1,000 people to attend.
A street parade will be held the day before the competition. It will include performances by a Marine Corps honor guard and a cheerleading team.
The festival will also include stalls selling local farm and seafood products, food, and other goods. Organizers said the stalls and expected visitors could help local businesses and tourism.
