TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kaohsiung will host the 2026 French Festival at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying, 衛武營國家藝術文化中心) from May 22 to 24, officials announced Monday (Dec. 15). The Department of Administrative and International Affairs (高雄市行政暨國際處) confirmed the event's first appearance at the venue, Taiwan's largest performing arts center. The festival is a collaboration with the French Office in Taipei (法國在台協會) and the French Association in Taiwan (台灣法國人協會). The partnership aims to celebrate French culture in southern Taiwan.
The French Festival in Kaohsiung has attracted over 270,000 attendees since its debut in 2024, highlighting southern Taiwan's enthusiasm for French culture. Franck Paris (龍燁), director of the French Office in Taipei, emphasized that the festival serves as both a significant event in southern Taiwan and a platform to deepen bilateral friendship between Taiwan and France. Paris noted that organizers have planned several activities for next year at Weiwuying.
Dominique Levy (雷多明), president of the French Association in Taiwan, acknowledged the festival's success over the past two years and expressed excitement about introducing new activities in 2026. Chang Yen-ching (張硯卿), Director of the Department of Administrative and International Affairs, stated that the Kaohsiung city government and the French team have begun preparations. The event will blend arts, cuisine, culture, and urban scenery, with organizers planning to announce more details soon. ◼
