Most festivals in Kaohsiung are connected with the lunar year and have Chinese significance, such as Chinese New Year and the Birthday of Confucius. Many are colourful events that take place at the shrines and temples in the city, and tourists are always welcome.

Lantern Festival: Yicheng Hall on Santo road is the venue for this festival of worship, while celebrations also take place along the Love River.

Birthday of the Emperor of Heaven: this colourful ceremony takes place every year at Tienkung Temple and sees locals making offerings of incense and flowers.

Chinese New Year: depends on the lunar calendar and is the longest and most important festival on the island. Houses are spring cleaned during this time, new clothes are bought and family feasts ubiquitous. The most obvious sign to tourists of Chinese New Year is the constant releasing of firecrackers throughout the city during this time.

Birthday of Goddess Matsu: this is a suitable festival for tourists, with a colourful parade tour of the goddess held at Tienhou Temple.

Tomb Sweeping Day: on this special day, people pay their respects and sweep the tombs of their ancestors.

Mother’s Day: not only is Mother’s Day a good day for mothers all over Taiwan, it is also good day for shopping, with many department stores in Kaohsiung having special discounts on this day. Mother’s Day takes place on the second Sunday of the month.

Dragon Boat Festival: the Love River is the setting for this fun festival which sees dragon boat racing on the river.　

Yi-Ya Festival: features a huge banquet held at the Yi-Ya Temple and eating contests.

Birthday of Kuanti: Tienkung Temple is the venue for this special event where Penghu islands residents hold parade tours for the deity. The Shengti Temple in Yancheng district is also involved in the birthday celebrations.

Yi Ya Festival Taiwan: is a significant event for the whole island whereby the locals celebrate the birthday of Yi Ya through eating. Yi Ya was Taiwan’s original master of culinary art.

Gourmet Food Festival: is another eating event in Kaohsiung, second to the Yi Ya Festival Taiwan. Speed eating, an eel-catching race, and leaning new cooking skills are all part of the event.

Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival: based on the lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival is a popular festival with tourists that culminates with a large fireworks display on the banks of the Love River.

Confucius’ Birthday: also known as ‘Teacher’s Day’, Confucius’ Birthday is celebrated at temples dedicated to him around the city with some elaborate commemorative rituals taking place.

Double Tenth National Day: as the title suggests, National Day is held throughout Taiwan and is particularly popular in Taipei and Kaohsiung. Colourful activities are held all over Kaohsiung.

Anniversary of Department Stores: although not actually a festival, Kaohsiung’s main department stores have a glut of sales promotions on at this time in the lead up to Christmas.

Christmas: held on the 25^th of the month, Christmas is celebrated with decorations such as lights and Christmas trees as well as festive foods, despite not being a public holiday.