By Saurabh Katiyar | New York
Union Square event will feature 70+ stalls, Taiwanese snacks and cultural performances
Union Square in Manhattan will transform into a celebration of Taiwanese culture this weekend as the annual “Passport to Taiwan” festival returns to New York City.
The popular outdoor event will take place on May 24 and is expected to attract large crowds with Taiwanese food, live performances, cultural exhibits and special activities. Organizers say this year’s festival will include more than 70 booths and several first-time participants from Taiwan.
The festival began in 2002 and has grown into one of the largest Taiwanese cultural events in the United States.
This year marks the event’s 24th anniversary.
Visitors will find everything from pineapple cakes and Taiwanese tea to baseball culture displays and traditional temple-themed experiences.
Taiwan’s Local Culture Takes Center Stage
Four regions from Taiwan will participate this year: Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, Chiayi County and Chiayi City.
Chiayi County and Chiayi City are joining the festival for the first time.
Kaohsiung plans to promote its famous harbor culture and tourism attractions. Chiayi City will spotlight Taiwan’s baseball history through stories connected to the legendary “KANO” baseball team.
Chiayi County will introduce visitors to Taiwan’s mountain tea culture, which is known internationally for premium tea production.
One of the festival’s most unusual attractions comes from Tainan.
The city is bringing Yue Lao culture to New York. Yue Lao is a traditional deity linked to romance and marriage in Taiwanese beliefs.
Several temples from Tainan are providing small gifts and lucky items for visitors hoping to find love or strengthen relationships.
Organizers say the activity has already created excitement online because of its mix of traditional religion and modern festival culture.
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Pineapple Cakes, Lucky Bags and Taiwan Flight Giveaway
Food remains one of the biggest attractions at the festival.
More than 25 food stalls will serve Taiwanese snacks and desserts throughout the day. One featured vendor, created by Harvard graduate Rose Lee, specializes in handmade pineapple cakes.
The event will also sell limited-edition lucky bags packed with exclusive merchandise.
Each bag includes a special festival T-shirt, a Taiwan Beer commemorative mug and a themed “Pineapple Bag.”
Buyers will also enter a prize drawing for round-trip airline tickets to Taiwan.
Festival director Hsu Po-cheng said the New York Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce continues supporting small businesses by helping reduce vendor costs.
Organizers also invited performance groups from both Taiwan and New York to create a stronger cultural connection between local communities and Taiwanese traditions.
Music, dance and live entertainment will continue throughout the event.
Community leaders say the festival gives Taiwanese Americans a chance to celebrate their heritage while introducing Taiwanese culture to a wider audience in New York.
With colorful displays, street food and cultural performances filling Union Square, organizers expect another strong turnout for one of the city’s biggest Asian cultural celebrations.
