The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival is grandly underway in Chiayi County. To strengthen public awareness of the dangers of drugs, the Chiayi County Health Bureau launched an innovative anti‑drug campaign integrated into lantern‑viewing activities. Through highly anticipated parades, street processions, and themed exhibition halls, the messages of “identifying drugs and refusing drugs” were transformed into a powerful shared consensus, deepening public education within a festive and entertaining atmosphere.

On March 3, the Taiwan Lantern Festival opening parade took place, followed by the Team Taiwan Parade on March 7. Performance groups from New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Chiayi County joined the celebrations. Along the routes, the Health Bureau promoted anti‑drug awareness by holding illuminated anti‑drug signs, using the energy of the parades to spread the message.

The Health Bureau also conducted targeted outreach within various themed exhibition halls, including those for Indigenous peoples, new immigrants, youth, and families. Educational materials were provided on identifying emerging drugs, refusal skills, and services offered by the Drug Abuse Prevention Center. The anti‑drug mascot “Xiao‑An” interacted with festival‑goers, bringing the message of drug refusal into the lively lantern‑viewing experience and attracting people to stop, participate, and spread the message of a healthy, drug‑free lifestyle.

Health Bureau Director Chao Wen‑hua stated that the lantern festival is not only a cultural and tourism event but also an important platform for advancing public health. Through parades and targeted outreach in themed halls, anti‑drug concepts are promoted across different age groups and communities, forming a cross‑generational support network for drug prevention.

Chao emphasized that teenagers are at a critical stage of forming values and need support from schools, families, and communities. By integrating anti‑drug education into festival activities, the campaign enhances public awareness, refusal skills, and self‑protection capabilities.

The Health Bureau reminds the public that if they have questions regarding drug prevention, they may call the free 24‑hour Anti‑Drug Hotline at 0800‑770‑885 or 05‑3625680 for professional assistance, working together to protect a safe, drug‑free home.