115th National Day Gala and Fireworks Highlights Announced: New Taipei on Oct. 9, Taitung on Oct. 10 — 'World's Stage' Meets 'World's Ark' in Dual-City Celebration

The '115th National Day Gala and National Day Fireworks Joint Press Conference' was held this afternoon (24th) at New Taipei City Government, attended by National Day Preparation Committee Chairperson Han Kuo-yu, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling, and representatives from the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Culture, officially unveiling highlights of this year’s National Day Gala and Fireworks events. The National Day Gala will take place in New Taipei City on October 9, followed by the National Day Fireworks in Taitung County on October 10. From 'The World's Stage' to 'The World's Ark,' the dual-city celebration will integrate music, performances, fireworks, and urban culture to jointly welcome the national holiday.

This year’s National Day Gala will be held on Friday, October 9, at 6:00 PM at Banqiao First Sports Ground in New Taipei City, themed 'The World's Stage – Gathering Taiwan.' Building on New Taipei’s diverse urban character, the event will blend Hoklo, Hakka, and Indigenous cultures, featuring eight performance segments including a warm-up. Performers include Golden Melody Award winners Sangpuy, Enno Cheng, ZiXuan Huang, singer Jiang Shu-na (the 'Third Sister'), and HowZ, showcasing Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry through diverse music and cross-genre performances.

International acts include Japanese legendary singer Misia Daikoku, known for singing the ending theme of the classic anime 'Slam Dunk,' Indonesian indie pop-rock band Grrrl Gang, and South Korean indie folk singer Lang Lee. Additional performers include the T.S.D Iron Four Emperors Cultural Arts Creative Team, New Taipei City Symphony Orchestra, Longtan Ai Yueh Philharmonic Orchestra, New Taipei Youth Choir, drag queens, and competitive cheerleading teams. Artists from different generations, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds will gather in New Taipei to create a 'world stage' for National Day night.

Following the gala, the National Day Fireworks will take place on Saturday, October 10, at the卑南溪 (Beinan River) estuary in Taitung County—marking Taitung’s first National Day Fireworks in nine years. Themed 'The World's Ark – Austronesian Taiwan,' the event will integrate Taitung’s mountain-sea landscape and Austronesian cultural features, featuring approximately 30 minutes of fireworks with over 19,000 shells. The display will be accompanied by live music from the Taipei Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Wind Orchestra, blending symphonic music with dazzling fireworks and Taitung’s majestic natural scenery to convey gratitude, blessings, and a forward-looking global message.

Han Kuo-yu, Chairperson of the National Day Preparation Committee and President of the Legislative Yuan, stated that the National Day Gala and Fireworks are key highlights of the annual celebrations. He expressed gratitude to the New Taipei City and Taitung County governments and all participating agencies for their efforts. From New Taipei’s multicultural stage to Taitung’s mountain-sea and Austronesian-themed fireworks, he hopes central and local collaboration will enable nationwide participation and emotional unity in celebrating the Republic of China’s birthday.

Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission Vice Chairperson Lai Li-ying noted that many overseas compatriots voluntarily return to Taiwan each year to participate in National Day celebrations. As of now, approximately 3,800 compatriots have registered. The Commission is assisting compatriots in attending the National Day Gala, National Day Ceremony, and Fireworks events, while integrating domestic tourism itineraries to invite them to experience Taiwan’s diverse landscapes during the holiday.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih emphasized that this year marks the first time the National Day Gala is held in New Taipei City, and the city is fully committed to welcoming friends from home and abroad. As a city that embraces diverse ethnicities and cultures, the theme 'The World's Stage – Gathering Taiwan' reflects New Taipei’s multicultural identity, blending Hoklo, Hakka, and Indigenous cultures. With artists from Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia joining the lineup, the event aims to showcase Taiwan’s cultural energy—diverse, free, and open—through music and cultural exchange. The Banqiao First Sports Ground, chosen as the venue, has not hosted a major performance in over ten years and is conveniently located near Banqiao Station, a transportation hub connecting TRA, MRT, and HSR, with a nearby bus terminal.

Magistrate Yao Ching-ling stated that the return of the National Day Fireworks to Taitung after nine years is more than just a fireworks show—it is a grand ceremony to convey Taiwan’s culture to the world. Themed 'The World's Ark: Austronesian Taiwan,' the event draws from Taitung’s Pacific-facing maritime perspective, using Austronesian culture, multiculturalism, and mountain-sea landscapes to portray Taiwan as an island carrying culture, memory, and hope—a vessel continuously sailing toward the world. The five waves in the main visual were inspired by the Amis people’s 'Fifth Wave' ocean wisdom, symbolizing顺应 nature, seizing the moment, and bravely setting sail after understanding the ocean—echoing Taitung’s message of sending blessings to the world from the Pacific.

Today’s (24th) press conference featured a special performance to kick off the National Day events. The local New Taipei group T.S.D Iron Four Emperors Cultural Arts Creative Team opened with a fusion of traditional folk elements like Guanjiangshou and street dance, blending tradition with contemporary expression. Artist Amanda Liu shared her preparations and excitement for her collaborative performance with the Jaguars Competitive Cheerleading Team, giving a sneak peek of the October 9 gala.

To connect the National Day celebrations in New Taipei and Taitung, a National Day themed gift box was unveiled. New Taipei contributed Pingslin Baozhong tea and Danshui fish floss, while Taitung offered Hong Oolong tea and Chishang red quinoa rice crackers—turning local specialties into city blessings, allowing overseas compatriots to experience regional characteristics through taste and savor the beauty of each city.

In addition to the evening gala, the 'New Taipei Kaleidoscope' will launch at the Banqiao First Sports Ground plaza from noon on October 9, featuring local cultural booths and performances, extending the celebration from day into night. New Taipei City also launched the 'Cultural Journey, Chill in New Taipei' series, including a special 'New Taipei × Taitung National Day Relay Three-Day Tour' from October 9 to 11, linking the gala, fireworks, and key tourist spots in both cities. Registration opens on the official website at 10:00 AM on September 29. Multiple one-day tours in Danshui, Banqiao, Sanchong, Sanxia, and Yingge are also available, inviting the public to explore the cities and join the annual celebration during the National Day holiday.

The 115th National Day Gala will be held at Banqiao First Sports Ground on October 9 at 6:00 PM. A live broadcast will be available at the sports ground plaza starting at 6:00 PM, and viewers can also tune in via TVBS Channel 56 or the TVBS NEWS YouTube channel. For more information on the program and events, visit the official website (https://115nationaldaygala.tw/).

Han Kuo-yu, Chairperson of the National Day Preparation Committee and President of the Legislative Yuan, expressed hope that the relay-style events in New Taipei and Taitung will strengthen central-local collaboration and invite nationwide participation in the National Day celebrations. (Photo/New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)