Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) The first of two 2018 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festivals will take place on March 2 in New Taipei, featuring lantern launches, performances and other activities.
The New Taipei Tourism and Travel Department said at a press conference Friday that it has scheduled its annual Pingxi Sky Lantern festivals on March 2 during the Lantern Festival and on Sept. 24 during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The March festival will take place at Shifen Sky Lantern Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on a Friday, and will feature eight launches of lanterns as well as stations staffed by Sanrio-themed mascots.
Participants interested in launching a lantern that evening can get a free coupon from event planners who will start handing them out from 10 a.m.
New Taipei authorities are partnering this year with the Taiwan branch of Sanrio Co., the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty and other popular cartoon characters, which will mean many Sanrio-themed mascots and decorations in the area on the day of the festival.
The Pingxi Sky Lantern festival has been recommended by international media outlets, including CNN Travel and Fodor's Travel, as an international must-visit attraction, according to New Taipei Deputy Mayor Hou Yu-ih.
