On the afternoon of October 25, the Northwest Association of Chinese Language Schools (NWACLS) in U.S. and Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning at FYCD (TCML-FYCD) jointly hosted a vibrant Halloween Cultural Celebration at the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle.
The event featured a costume contest, a pumpkin lantern competition, and a special cultural presentation titled “Halloween vs. Ghost Festival: East Meets West.” Participants included students from local Chinese language schools, learners from Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning, and community members interested in Mandarin education and cultural exchange. The event not only showcased the festive fun of Western Halloween traditions but also deepened understanding of Taiwan’s Ghost Festival, making it a truly meaningful cross-cultural experience.
The celebration began with opening remarks from Ms. Amanda Lin, President of the NWACLS and Director of TCML-FYCD. Ms. Lin expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) of the R.O.C. Taiwan for their strong support, which made it possible for overseas Mandarin learners and families to come together and experience both the joy of Western festivities and the richness of cultural exchange.
Following Ms. Lin’s remarks, Director Wei-Zan Wang of the Culture Center of TECO in Seattle gave a speech commending the organizers for their dedication to Mandarin education. He encouraged everyone to embrace cultural learning alongside language study, emphasizing that understanding culture is key to appreciating the spirit behind the language.
The costume contest then took center stage. Participants—both children and adults—displayed remarkable creativity, walking the runway with confidence as hosts Mr. Chuan-Shan Shiu and Ms. Lynn Trinh kept the audience entertained with humor and lively commentary. Laughter and applause filled the room as contestants impressed with their clever designs and performances.
Afterward, Ms. Wei-Wei Chen from TCML-FYCD delivered an engaging presentation comparing the Western Halloween and Taiwan’s Ghost Festival, highlighting their similarities and differences. The talk was followed by a fun quiz session with prizes, where attendees eagerly showcased their newfound knowledge.
The event concluded with the award ceremony and raffle drawing, the highlight of the day. Attendees voted for the “Most Popular Award,” which went to The Addams Family—also the first-place winner in the group category. Awards were presented for individual, group, and baby categories, as well as for the top three pumpkin lanterns and one honorable mention.
Prizes for the raffle were generously sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, the Culture Center of TECO in Seattle, the NWACLS in U.S., and TCML-FYCD.
The Halloween Cultural Celebration successfully blended joy, creativity, and learning—offering participants an opportunity not only to enjoy a beloved Western festival but also to connect more deeply with Taiwanese traditions. It was a wonderful afternoon of community, culture, and shared appreciation for the beauty of language and heritage.
