Miaoli County Government Press Release
Date: January 7, 2025
Contact: Chen Qing-ju, Press Section, General Affairs Department: 037-559828
On January 7, the Miaoli City Office held the "Prosperity Through Powerful Dragons" press conference in the county hall. The event began with a striking performance by the Jian Gong Elementary School Dragon Dance Team, debuting the "CPC Dragon," followed by a new immigrant international dragon team adding to the lively atmosphere. The event also showcased community-made papier-mâché dragons, each uniquely highlighting the profoundness of Hakka cultural heritage. After colorful bubbles were released, it was announced that the 2025 Miaoli Bombing Dragon series will start on February 6.
The "Miaoli Bombing Dragon" is a unique Hakka Lantern Festival tradition. Since its inception by the city office in 1998, 27 years ago, it has grown to be recognized by the Hakka Affairs Council as one of the 12 major Hakka festivals. It is also ranked alongside Taiwan's other major Lantern Festival celebrations,"Sky Lanterns of the North," "Beehive Fireworks of the South," and "Bombing of Master Han Dan of the East." The "Night of Bombing Dragons" is the climax in the series, attracting tens of thousands of spectators with its thrilling light and sound effects.
At the press conference, the Jian Gong Elementary School Dragon Dance Team performed with a debut of "CPC Dragon" in red, blue, and white. Children from kindergarten showcased small dragon dances, while older students performed lion dances, symbolizing cultural inheritance and family harmony. A new immigrant dragon team moved skillfully through the venue, adding an exotic flair. Guests, including Mayor Yu Wen-zhong, City Council Speaker Chen Ren-jie, County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, Legislator Qiu Zhen-jun’s wife Zhan Mei-juan and his representative, and chiefs of villages, joined the performance, bringing the dragons to life.
County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin emphasized that "Miaoli Bombing Dragon" is a unique cultural expression of the Hakka people and a valuable and intangible cultural asset. He acknowledged the city office, council, CPC Corporation, and all supporters for their efforts in hosting the event for 27 consecutive years. Chung highlighted the dragon's significance as a symbol of blessings and success in Hakka culture, aligning the event with hopes for prosperity and a fresh start in the new year.
Magistrate Chung expressed that painter Chiu Ai-chen’s creations featuring auspicious dragons and legendary stories of dragons were deeply moving. He hopes that Hakka culture and language can be passed down sustainably, encouraging adults, children, and newcomers to Taiwan to appreciate the essence of this unique tradition. Chung also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the series of activities continue to be passed down from generation to generation, growing more vibrant and impressive with each passing year.
This year marks Mayor Yu Wen-zhong’s first time organizing the bombing dragon series. After consulting representatives and chiefs of villages, he integrated family and multicultural elements and invited 11 communities to craft papier-mâché dragons reflecting their local characteristics to mark invaluable cultural heritage. The public is invited to experience the unique folk traditions and authentic Hakka cuisine through upcoming activities.
The schedules and venues of the activities this year are as follows: On February 6 (the ninth day of the Lunar New Year), the "Auspicious Dragon Eye-Dotting Ceremony" and "Maoli Hakka Dragon Competition" will take place at the Yuqing Temple Plaza, featuring 12 dragons undergoing the solemn eye-dotting ritual followed by a spectacular dragon dance competition. On February 8 (the eleventh day of the Lunar New Year), the "Bombing Dragon Carnival" will feature over 30 professional arts and cultural performance teams parading from Yuqing Temple to Maoli Miao Family Park, with performances along closed-off streets. On February 9, the "Night of Bombing Dragons" will bring together the Malaysia Yahya Awal Hong Xian Da Di Temple Dragon Dance Team and the National Taiwan University of Sport Dragon Dance Team in a joint performance, symbolizing cultural integration and development. Multiple dragons will also undergo a baptism of firecrackers at the riverside park on Jingguo Road, marking the climax of the event. The series will conclude on the night of February 14 with the traditional "Dragon's Ascension to Heaven" ritual at the Five Wenchang Temple Plaza in Jiasheng Village.