TAINAN (TVBS News) — In anticipation of Tainan's annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival (鹽水蜂炮) on Tuesday (Feb. 11) evening, the city's mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) led the event's grand opening ceremony this morning, marking the start of a two-day event featuring approximately 250 "firework towers" throughout the Yanshui District (鹽水區).
Speaking at the Yanshui Wu Temple (鹽水武廟), Huang emphasized the festival's cultural significance and the importance of reserving such tradition. This year's festivities include a special golden snake-themed firework tower, set to launch at Tainan Municipal Yanshuei Junior High School's (鹽水國中) sports field Wednesday night.
The festival ranks as one of the world's three major folk festivals. Local residents and businesses will also contribute their handmade firework towers, known as "Lan Jiao" (攔轎), drawing tourists worldwide to experience the fireworks' thrilling spectacle.
The Tainan City Government Fire Bureau (台南市政府消防局) advised festival-goers to wear full protective gear, including masks, full-face helmets, high-necked jackets, and gloves, to prevent injuries. They cautioned against wearing lightweight raincoats to avoid fire hazards.
