The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival Parade kicked off in full splendor on the Lantern Festival night of March 3. A total of 20 top-performing groups from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Taiwan took turns performing along the Jiapu Road section in front of the Chiayi County Government before the main lantern lighting ceremony, presenting a magnificent opening showcase. County Magistrate Weng Chang‑liang, along with first‑level county officials, Tourism Administration Director Chen Yu‑hsieu, Legislator Tsai Yi‑yu, and distinguished guests from various countries, attended the event to celebrate this international‑level Lantern Festival celebration.

This year’s parade is unprecedented in scale, demonstrating strong international friendship and diverse cultural charm. Four Yosakoi teams from Hokkaido, Nagoya, Mie Prefecture, and Kochi Prefecture—regions with close cultural exchange ties to Taiwan—recreated the passionate atmosphere of Japan’s Yosakoi Festival. Their powerful and graceful dance movements triggered thunderous applause from the audience.

The Philippines’ Pinta Flores Dance Troupe showcased the passion of Southeast Asia through vibrant colors and rhythmic choreography. A Māori cultural troupe from New Zealand delivered an impressive Haka war dance with interactive elements. South Korea’s Chuncheon Municipal Puppet Theater performed humorous large‑scale puppet acts, attracting crowds eager to capture photos—instantly filling their memory cards.

In addition, Chiayi’s renowned Wen‑Shiang Dance Company collaborated with SanTaiTang Creative Puppet Theatre to present the uniquely Chiayi Lukangcaou tradition—the “Fanghuo Horse” Lantern Festival Ritual—offering blessings and good fortune to all participants.

Local groups such as the Chiayi County Street Dance Team, Taibao City Sister Flower Dance Troupe, FOCASA Circus, and Puzi Electronic Techno Prince (Dianyin Sān Tàizǐ) also delivered energetic and joyful performances. Little Things Production Company, Da‑Jia Music Workshop, the Alishan Tsou Tribe Euvuvu Bagpipe Performing Arts Group, Budai Neitian Qing‑He‑Hsuan Beiguan Troupe, and the Chiayi Chinese Orchestra further contributed to this grand fusion of culture and passion.

Finally, a giant Paperwindmill mechanical lantern float—8 meters tall and 11 meters long—came to life with the rhythm and atmosphere of the scene. It rolled its eyes, opened and closed its mouth, flapped its wings, and emitted smoke as it interacted up close with the audience, symbolizing the beginning of a hopeful and blessed Lantern Festival journey.

Chen Yu‑hsieu remarked that today is both the Lantern Festival and the opening day of the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival. She likened the annual parade to scouts announcing the arrival of deities during a religious procession. Returning to Chiayi after eight years, the festival demonstrates Chiayi’s evolution and growth over time. She expressed excitement for tonight’s main lantern show and the captivating County Government Lantern Zone. This year's lantern zone is the largest in history—“coming once is not enough; you need to visit at least three times,” she said.

With persistent rain in the morning and lighter showers by afternoon, Magistrate Weng expressed gratitude to the heavens during his speech. He admitted that the rain had caused him great anxiety, but the weather ultimately turned favorable, allowing both international and local parade teams to perform smoothly. He noted that Chiayi residents are embracing the festival with the joyous spirit of hosting a traditional countryside celebration, connecting with the world. He praised the county government team's dedication and hard work, stating that their sole wish is to satisfy every visitor. He also expressed appreciation for all feedback, criticism, and suggestions, promising that the county government will always do its best.