Kinmen Zhongzheng Elementary School Drum and Horn Team Performs in Czech Republic, Showcasing the Charm of Traditional Taiwanese Art

(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yuting, Prague, 7th) The Kinmen Zhongzheng Elementary School Drum and Horn Team performed at the Embassy Festival on the 6th, using instruments such as the suona, horn, and gongs and drums, accompanied by changing formations, to present wonderful pieces like "Yearning for Hometown" and "Taiwan is Brave." On-site Taiwanese stalls sold snacks like braised pork rice and aiyu jelly, allowing European attendees to experience Taiwan's diverse food culture.

The 9th Embassy Festival was grandly held in Prague, Czech Republic. This year, 60 countries participated, showcasing national cuisines from around the world, as well as traditional folk music and dance performances. All programs were meticulously planned by the embassies, making it the largest international food and cultural event in the Czech Republic.

Invited by the Taipei Representative Office in the Czech Republic, the Kinmen Zhongzheng Elementary School Drum and Horn Team came to perform at the 9th Embassy Festival.

Li Lijuan, a teacher at Kinmen Zhongzheng Elementary School, told CNA that the team's journey has not been easy, and they have overcome many challenges. Besides practicing at school in the morning, students receive individual guidance during lunch breaks. After school, some students even use pots and pans from home as substitutes for gongs and drums, continuing to practice hard under the teacher's video guidance.

She said that most of these children come from single-parent, new immigrant, or economically disadvantaged families. Through the drum and horn team, they have built confidence and found their own value.

Li Lijuan stated that Zhongzheng Elementary School has been quietly passing on the traditional Kinmen drum and horn music for 31 years, finally bringing the team to the international stage. "If culture stays in one place, it will eventually be forgotten. Only by going out can it have a chance to be remembered by the world."

The Zhongzheng Elementary School Drum and Horn Team not only performed at the Embassy Festival but also exchanged with two elementary schools in the Czech Republic and one in Vienna, allowing them to experience the traditional folk music culture of Kinmen. On the day of the Embassy Festival, several Czech elementary school students came specifically to watch the performance, cheered them on, and gave gifts to express their gratitude, showcasing the cross-national friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Stella, a Czech elementary school student, said she liked the team's performance, especially when they spun the suona, which was very eye-catching. "They should come here to perform every year!"

On-site Taiwanese stalls sold snacks such as zongzi, scallion pancakes, braised pork rice, oolong tea jelly milk, lemon aiyu jelly, and lemon winter melon tea. Frank, a Czech attendee, shared that he loves Taiwanese food, has visited Taiwan many times, and adores Taiwan's culture, people, night markets, and Taiwan Beer. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150607