The Liudui Hakka Autumn Harvest Festival, a recipient of the Tourism Administration’s "Top Ten Experience Award," is set to kick off this November. Each weekend will feature different Hakka-themed cultural activities, such as a lively run, Hakka rice cuisine tasting, fresh vegetable picking, family camping, floral offerings to Bogong (the Earth God), picnics, 12 Hakka village-themed days, a grand puppet parade, and a feast of blessings. These are just some of the more than 10 exciting cultural events planned for the festival.
The festivities begin on November 2 with the “2024 Liudui Autumn Harvest Hakka Village Run”, offering both 12 km and 6 km race options. The route winds through Hakka villages such as Neipu and Linluo, providing a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a scenic run while exploring the unique Hakka countryside. New this year is the “2024 Liudui HAKKA Ultra Marathon”, set for November 23. This 60 km race is a true test of endurance, starting at Liudui Hakka Cultural Park and passing through the Indigenous Cultural Park, the Kapayuwanan tribe, and the Rinari tribe before following Provincial Highway 185 back to the Hakka villages of Wanluan and Neipu. The route not only challenges participants physically but also showcases the rich Hakka and indigenous cultural landscapes. After completing the ultra-marathon, participants are invited to the “Reunion at Liudui Banquet”, where they can savor the finest Hakka cuisine. Both the November 2 and 23 events offer camping packages, allowing participants to experience the beauty of Liudui Hakka Cultural Park by night.
Following the “2024 Liudui Autumn Harvest Hakka Village Run”, the “Thousand-Person Panhua (Flower Plate) Offering to Bogong” and the “Vow Redeeming Ritual” will take place. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in Hakka culture, with Bogong worship being most widespread spiritual practices among the Hakka people. The public is invited to take part in these rituals, gaining a deeper understanding of Hakka culture and its significance in Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape.
The Liudui Hakka Autumn Harvest Festival is a vibrant celebration that blends Hakka traditions with the land. In addition to the activities mentioned, the festival will host a “Farm Vegetable Picking Experience”, where visitors can harvest fresh produce straight from Liudui Park’s farmland and enjoy the bounty of nature. There will also be a hands-on “Rice-Based Food Workshop”, where participants can learn to make traditional Hakka dishes and enjoy them on the spot. A variety of signature Hakka snacks will also be available for purchase, offering a chance to bring a taste of Hakka culture home. One of the festival's yearly highlights is the highly-anticipated “Feast of Blessings”, where Liudui Park serves up an exquisite Hakka banquet. This year promises another memorable culinary experience, so be sure to register early.
The 2024 Liudui Hakka Autumn Harvest Festival also features a wide range of activities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Liudui. The “12 Hakka Village Theme Days” will include performances of songs and dances, each telling the stories of a different village. The “Liudui Story House” will host storytelling sessions, bringing to life tales from picture books published by Liudui Park with engaging narrators. Other events include “Come Watch Old Movies” and “Come Learn About the Eight Notes (Bayin)”, where visitors can relive nostalgic black-and-white films through modern technology and explore the traditional music of the Hakka Bayin through traditional instruments. With such a diverse array of cultural activities, the 2024 Liudui Hakka Autumn Harvest Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Stay updated by following the official website and Facebook page of Liudui Hakka Cultural Park.
