Detailed Introduction
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival takes place every Lantern Festival (15th day of the 1st lunar month) in Yanshui, Tainan. Together with Pingxi Sky Lanterns, they form Taiwan's most famous Lantern Festival pair: 'Southern Beehive Fireworks, Northern Sky Lanterns.'
The tradition began during the Qing Dynasty when residents launched massive fireworks while parading Guan Sheng Di Jun's palanquin to drive away a plague. Tens of thousands of bottle rockets are mounted on wooden frames called 'cannon castles,' which are lit as the palanquin passes, creating an explosive spectacle.
Participants must wear full protective gear — helmets with visors, thick clothing, gloves, and towels. Getting hit by rockets is considered good luck. The festival was designated one of Taiwan's Top 100 Religious Sceneries in 2013.