Celebrating cultural and national events is a core part of the rhythms of life in Taiwan. With a culture that borrows native as well as Chinese elements, Holidays in Taiwan begin with Founding Day, which marks the origin of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s foundation name) on the 1st of January in 1912. The revolution that created the Island’s national identity plays a crucial role in its cultural and political life, although recent liberalizations have opened up Taiwan to a larger world of influences.
In February, the citizens of the Island remember the 228 incident when the KMT (Kuomintang) government suppressed riots against the government. After joint governance with Japan, the United Nations accorded control to the KMT. Years later, the government recognized the incident with several memorials and a Peace Memorial Day which aims to remember the series of events that shaped early governance in Taiwan. Every February 28, Memorials are held throughout the island.
On March 12, the Island remembers the passing of Sun Yat-sen, one of the political founders of the Republic of China and the Kuomintang. A primary figure in Taiwanese political history, he developed a national sovereign philosophy known as the Principles of the People, which influences domestic and foreign policies to this day. On November 12, Cultural Renaissance day celebrates his birthday as a turning point in cultural history.
Owing to the military history, the Island commemorates its military with Armed Forces day on September 3, and then honors the cultural influences on Confucius on Teacher’s Day on September 28. On October 25, the Island celebrates its independence from Japan on Taiwan Retrocession Day, which is a time to celebrate independence and celebrate its democratic freedoms. The December 25 Constitution Day marks the birth of the modern democracy.
