As the world lights up to wrap up the Lunar New Year, there is no better place to celebrate than Taiwan, home to one of the most vibrant and culturally rich traditions of the season: the Taiwan Lantern Festival. The theme for the 36th annual event’s magic is Paradise. It will illuminate Taoyuan, a dynamic city known for its natural beauty and innovation. Scheduled from February 12-23, the event promises to dazzle visitors with breathtaking artistry, cultural displays, and unforgettable experiences. The Taiwan Lantern Festival, recognized globally as one of Asia’s premier cultural events, is designed to mark the final days of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The festival embodies Taiwan’s rich history, folklore, and creativity. Each year, a different city takes on the honor of hosting the event, transforming its streets and public spaces into a luminous wonderland. This year, Taoyuan takes the spotlight, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern innovation. Conveniently located near Taiwan’s international airport, the city provides easy access for travelers looking to immerse themselves in an awe-inspiring cultural adventure. Marked as one of the world’s top celebrations by the Discovery Channel, here are some of the highlights of this year’s festival:

Main lantern Paradise: Each year’s theme is based on the Chinese zodiac, and this year is the Year of the Snake, with designs characterized by abstraction and innovation. It features a modern, abstract infinity symbol, combining spherical and geometric shapes to create a futuristic theme park image filled with technology. The main lantern stands 18 meters tall and will use innovative technologies such as AI and motion capture to present a dynamic visual language that symbolizes sustainable development and cross-era connections.

Sustainability Takes the Spotlight: This year’s festival embraces sustainability with its DIY handheld lantern, designed to reduce waste by using personal power banks connected via a TYPE-C cable. The lantern’s snake-inspired design features seven movable segments that combine creativity with eco-conscious innovation. This playful yet practical approach highlights Taiwan’s commitment to greener celebrations and environmental protection.

Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and acrobatics, alongside modern interpretations that showcase Taiwan’s vibrant arts scene.

Local Delicacies: Savor Taiwan’s world-famous street food at pop-up markets and food courts. From savory oyster omelets to sweet pineapple cakes, the festival offers a culinary journey as memorable as its visual delights.

Beyond the festival, Taiwan boasts attractions ensuring that visitors have plenty to explore before and after the main event:

1. Taoyuan Night Market: A lively hub of flavors and excitement, featuring a wide variety of local street food, trendy goods, and entertainment.
2. Taipei 101: Once the world’s tallest building, it offers panoramic views of Taipei and a unique shopping and dining experience.
3. Alishan Mountain: Famous for its picturesque sunrise views, tea plantations, and a historic mountain railway.
4. Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest lake, surrounded by lush mountains, offering boat tours, hiking, and cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple.

For more information on Taiwan Lantern Festival, visit website https://2025taiwanlanternfestival.org

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas announced the launch of “Journey Through Maldivian Heritage,” an immersive cultural experience that aims to introduce the luxury resort’s guests to a variety of local customs and activities designed to celebrate the heritage and traditions of the Maldives. Available every Thursday, this experience offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in local heritage by making a genuine connection to the Maldivian people and their culture. From the moment guests wake up, they are treated to a wide selection of authentic Maldivian specialties at breakfast. Then as they stroll around the island, guests will see the team proudly dressed in traditional Maldivian attire. With guidance from the resort’s dedicated team and local artisans, guests will learn about traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural activities throughout the day. Suitable for guests of all ages, the many engaging artisanal activities on offer include a Palm Leaf Weaving Workshop, where guests can learn traditional weaving techniques and create their own beautiful palm leaf crafts such as ornaments, baskets, hats, and more. For those seeking a musical experience, the Bodu Beru Drum Class allows guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm and movement of traditional Maldivian drumming and dance. Culinary explorers can participate in a hands-on Maldivian Cooking Class with a local master chef as he reveals the secrets of Maldivian cuisine. As part of the fully immersive adventure, a Local Island Visit encourages guests to explore a nearby island and experience the local way of life up close. The Traditional Maldivian Sunset Fishing activity provides guests with an opportunity to try their hand at fishing using traditional methods against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. The Fishing Net Making Class, led by local experts, teaches the skill of making fishing nets that has been handed down across multiple generations. For the more active fun seekers, there is an unmissable opportunity to join in a Bashi Game, a traditional Maldivian sport that is similar to volleyball. As the sun sets, the team and guests will gather for the mesmerizing Bodu Beru Sundowner Ritual. Celebrating the end of the day, the ceremony begins with the lighting of torches before the rhythmic beats of a Maldivian Bodu Beru performance by the team combine to create an enchanting and unforgettable experience. For more information visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives.