city, kicked off its eight-day run yesterday. The festival began with a drum performance by the Eastern Artistic Group. Then, the Ti Ti Dance Troupe, led by Wang Li-chuan, performed a lion dance. The dance had symbolic meanings as it was meant to wake up the "sword lion," a symbol for good luck.
Sculptures of the sword lion can be seen in many parts of Tainan. One of the reasons for the city holding the Spring Tour is to show visitors what sword lions are.
The opening ceremony came to a climax when Tainan Mayor Hsu Tain-tsair told stories about Tainan. He also handed out red envelops full of money to visitors.
Hsu only gave out envelops on the opening day of the event.
But visitors need not be disappointed as they still have a chance to get a red envelop: the first 100 people purchasing tickets at each of the festival's three major sites -- Eternal Golden Castle, Chi Kan Lou and Anping Fort -- will get a red envelope.
The festival will be held from now to Feb. 25.
Terms of use