2024Kaohsiung Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual(高雄內門宋江陣)
Event Date: 2024-03-09 ~ 2024-03-24
Organizer: Tourism Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government
Event Location: No. 18, Lane 115, Zhongzheng Road, Neimen Dist., Kaohsiung City Taiwán, R.O.C
For the event schedules, please refer to the official site or poster for any latest changes.
The annual Songjiang Battle in Neimen, Kaohsiung, which takes place before the Kuan Yin Buddha procession, is a significant event showcasing the cultural and artistic heritage of the region. This year, Neimen’s Zizhu Temple will host the "Songjiang Battle to Worship Kuan Yin" on March 9 and 10, marking the beginning of the "2024 Kaohsiung Neimen Songjiang Battle" celebrations. The eagerly anticipated "Songjiang Feast" will also open for reservations on March 4.
The event is renowned for its rich cultural display and community spirit. Residents who have moved away for study or work return home to participate in the preparation and performance of traditional martial and literary arts, demonstrating their practice in front of Kuan Yin Buddha and praying for peace and safety. This tradition is crucial in preserving Taiwan's unique festival culture.
Highlights of the Festival:
- March 9-10: "Songjiang Battle to Worship Kuan Yin" at Neimen Zizhu Temple, featuring various martial and literary troupes.
- March 16, 17, 23, 24: The grand procession will begin at 7 AM daily from Neimen Zizhu Temple. Over four days, participants will walk 80 kilometers, with local residents providing refreshments along the way.
- March 16, 17, 23: The "Songjiang Feast" will be held next to Guanting Elementary School at the Cuiwen Academy, featuring a traditional banquet prepared by renowned local chef Lin Qi-Ming. The feast includes ten sumptuous dishes like "Pork Belly with Black Bean Sauce," "Sakura Shrimp Rice Cake," "Freshly Grilled Dragon and Tiger Grouper," and more.
Special Performances:
- The festival will showcase 24 troupes, including:
- Xia Mei Lin Songjiang Lion Dance, known as a "world-class national treasure."
- Hengshan Songjiang Battle, featuring primarily Pingpu indigenous members.
- Zhongpu Tou Songjiang Lion Dance, with performers dressed as heroes from "Water Margin."
- Yingcai Long Songjiang Battle, blending indigenous and Pingpu hunting cultures.
The Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau encourages everyone to experience this rich cultural festival, enjoy traditional performances, and savor the delicious banquet. Reservations for the Songjiang Feast will be available starting at 10 AM on March 4. For bookings, call Ms. Lin at 0976-050-764.