Nymphia Wind dazzles Paris with Taiwan’s cultural showcase

PARIS (TVBS News) — The Cultural Olympiad in Paris is shining a spotlight on Taiwan, with the Taiwan Pavilion attracting large crowds and international attention. The event, part of the "Win Together Glory Night," features performances by acclaimed Taiwanese artists, including Nymphia Wind, the first Taiwanese winner of RuPaul's Drag Race earlier this year. Wind's performance received several rounds of applause from the French public, reflecting a warm reception to Taiwan's cultural offerings.

A Rainbow Journey in Paris

Nymphia expressed pride in representing Taiwan on the global stage. "Let's put this out there. I know it says 'Chinese Taipei,' but in my world, it says 'Taiwan,'" Wind said. "Thank you all for coming to the Taiwan Pavilion culture stage. It means a lot to be able to represent Taiwan in a foreign country. So thank you for coming and joining us in this rainbow journey. And, one thing about Formosa, Taiwan, it taught me to not look up to find a rainbow because a rainbow is seen right here."

The Taiwan Pavilion at the Cultural Olympiad features daily performances by artists from France and Taiwan, embodying the event's theme of "Win Together." These performances have been so popular that long queues form outside the venue before it opens its doors at 5 p.m. each day. The program has successfully showcased Taiwan's culture, highlighting the country's freedom of speech and multicultural environment.

Mixed Culture, High Energy
Sue Wang, Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Culture, highlighted the diverse and inclusive nature of the Taiwan Pavilion. "The most important feature of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Cultural Olympics is that everything is mixed. We have mixed everything, whether it is traditional or modern, or whether it is in the musical instruments, in the language, in the physical expression, in the ethnic groups, or even in the genders. In all these topics, it has shown a mixed quality, so it is very energetic in the whole pavilion, and there are no boundaries," Wang said. "Without boundaries, so when people come here, they will feel that they can fit into this scene, which has a very big energy and tolerance."

Visitors to the pavilion, including Gaëlle B. and Amandine W. from Paris, were pleasantly surprised by their experience. "We didn't know it at all, but we found it very interesting. It's a change, it's original. We didn't think we'd come across it at all, but we did!" said Amandine W. "We discovered the culture, and above all, the people are super smiley," added Gaëlle B.

Taiwan's Struggle for Recognition
The participation of Taiwan in the Olympics under the name "Chinese Taipei" has been a point of contention. Wen-Hui Yen, a Parisian from Taiwan, spoke about the restrictions on flying Taiwan's flag in international competitions. "We are forbidden to fly our flag in international competitions. But still, here we are in the land of freedom. That's what we should be doing — raising our flag in the street whenever we want," Yen said.

The Cultural Olympiad is a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural program running alongside the Summer Games, concluding Sunday night. The event has provided a platform for Taiwan to showcase its rich cultural heritage and advocate for its recognition on the world stage.

Nymphia Wind's performance and the Taiwan Pavilion have not only entertained but also educated attendees about Taiwan's unique cultural identity and its ongoing struggle for international recognition. The energy and inclusivity of the pavilion have left a lasting impression on visitors, promoting a message of unity and cultural appreciation.