▎ Flying fish festival
The Flying Fish Festival is one of the traditional ceremonies of the Taiwanese indigenous Tao (Dáwù) people, who reside on a tiny island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan called Pongso no Tao. The festival originates from the legends of the Tao people and embodies the social norms of their society. Throughout the festival period, the Tao people must exercise great care in their actions and words to avoid violating these norms.
In addition to preserving Tao cultural heritage, the Flying Fish Festival also signifies respect for the natural environment and sustainable ecological practices. The festival is divided into three seasons: Rayon (the flying fish season), Teyteyka (the end of the flying fish season, usually occurring in summer or autumn), and Amiyan (no flying fish season). The entire festival spans approximately eight to nine months each year.
Throughout these months, various ceremonies take place, collectively known as the Flying Fish Festival. Due to the occurrence of the Kuroshio (black tide) between January and June, which brings a wealth of migratory fish to Pongso no Tao, the festival typically begins around February or March and extends until October. The festival comprises different ceremonies, including blessing the boats, praying for a bountiful harvest for the year, and the first-fishing night ceremony."
