Premier Jiang Yi-huah today accompanied President Ma Ying-jeou to the inauguration ceremony of the 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Hsinchu County. He expressed pride in the Tourism Bureau's efforts and accomplishments in hosting the event and hope that this year's would be the best one yet, bringing back warm and happy memories for everyone who attends.
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has organized the Taiwan Lantern Festival for the past 24 years, with the event rotating between different cities and counties annually. It has not only created many fond memories for the people of Taiwan but also become a major attraction for international tourists, Jiang remarked.
"The Lantern Festival has always been one of our most cherished and joyous festivals, because it reminds us of our childhood days, when we carried lanterns or torches and went to the temple with our parents to take part in the ceremony," the premier said. "Following decades of economic development, the typical Taiwanese lantern is no longer a simple milk powder can with several holes punched around it and a candle lit inside. Now, both the lanterns held by children and the colorful and eye-catching LED and laser lights displayed at festival sites are testaments to Taiwan's progress and prosperity."
Jiang reiterated that he was very happy to attend the Taiwan Lantern Festival's inauguration ceremony, and he wished visiting dignitaries and his fellow countrymen attending the show strong health, good fortune and happy family lives throughout the coming year.
Later, Premier Jiang, President Ma, MOTC Minister Yeh Kuang-shih and Executive Yuan Spokesperson Cheng Li-wun began the countdown for the ceremonial lighting of the themed lantern, which was immediately followed by kaleidoscopic fireworks as everyone shared in the joy of ushering in the Lantern Festival.