(Clearwisdom.net) The Divine Land Marching Band was invited to perform at a major traditional Hakka celebration in Miaoli- “Bombing the Dragon.” A group of waist drummers also attended. Both bands are comprised of Falun Gong practitioners. The performers’ bright costumes and their performance won warm applause from the audience. Many were busy taking pictures and videos of the performances.
“Bombing the Dragon” takes place every year in the first month of the Chinese New Year. The custom spread to Taiwan from China during the Qing Dynasty. People believe that setting off a lot of firecrackers during a dragon dance can drive away the evil spirits and throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good fortune. Hence the “Bombing the Dragon” became one of the major celebrations during the Lantern Festival in Taiwan. It drew tens of thousands of tourists to the city of Miaoli this year.
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Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Miaoli, Chiu Ping-kun and Lin Chiu-hsiang, together lit the “Firecracker Dragon” that extended 2.5 miles long at the opening ceremony. The South Stage at the starting point of the dragon dance was jammed with crowds. The waist drumming band performed onstage at the starting point.
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The Divine Land Marching Band performed on the North Stage where the dragon dance ended. The host said, “Wow, look at that. It is Falun Gong’s Divine Land Marching Band. Their costumes are so special. Their performance is more impressive than the National Day Military Parade!” Children and young people cheered when they watched the band’s performance.
