To celebrate the 102ndbirthday of the Republic of China (R.O.C.), governmental agencies and local organizations have jointed forces to put together a list of exciting and educational events that will enrich your national day week!
One: National Day Parade
Date: Oct. 10, 2013
Time: 9:24 AM ~ 11:40 AM
Location: Presidential Office Plaza in Taipei
Event Website: rocbirthday.tw (Chinese only)
The 136-minute-long national parade will comprise of three segments; first up are ceremonial units of the Ministry of National Defense, including the Military Band, Honor Guards and Army cadets, who will perform gun salutes, parade formations, calisthenics and flag dancing to classic marching tunes.
Speeches and choir performances are scheduled for the second part of the parade. President Ma Ying-jeou and representatives of overseas Chinese compatriot groups will present their congratulatory remarks, followed by a performance from Vox Nativa Children's Choir, an aboriginal group who will be traveling from Nantou County to Taipei City to sing the R.OC.'s national anthem.
The last 50-minute segment will feature a plethora of vigorous performances from student groups such as WeKids Kindergarten from New Taipei, Sansin High School of Commerce and Home Economics from Kaohsiung and the Taipei-based National Taiwan College of Performing Arts.
Two: National Fireworks Show & Concert
Date: Oct. 10, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM ~ 10:30 PM
Location: Hsinchu Fish Harbor in Hsinchu City
Event Website: 102firewworks.vvmarts.com
National day celebrations would be incomplete without a grand fireworks display, and the R.O.C. is particularly good with its pyrotechnics. This year's show will feature exactly 36,720 firework projectiles, ranging from 4-inch shells to 16-inch rockets.
Not only will the 42-minute fireworks show be accompanied by loud music and laser lights, the choice of Hsinchu Fish Harbor as this year's venue means that the night skies will be reflected by the sea, thus providing a unique twist to the decades-long national day fireworks tradition.
Moreover, the fun won't stop even after the last sparkle fades out in the sky. A concert featuring some of the hottest local acts - including electro-rockers Magic Power, veteran powerhouse F.I.R. and Taiwanese diva Jeannie Hsieh - will carry the audiences throughout the night.
Happy birthday, R.O.C.!
R.O.C. National Anthem
R.O.C. National Flag Anthem
The Plum Blossom Anthem