According to the sunrise forecast for next year released by the Central Weather Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on July 30, the first dawn on Taiwan’s main island areas will appear in Lanyu at 6:33 a.m. Lanyu has therefore become an indispensable highlight in the Republic of China’s Centennial New Year sunrise celebrations. To mark the occasion, the Marine National Park Headquarters, the Taitung County Government, and the Lanyu Township Office have jointly organized the “Lanyu New Year’s Eve Gala and Centennial First Dawn Celebration.” Through an online selection process, 100 citizens will be chosen and hosted free of charge to attend the New Year’s Eve event, welcome the first sunrise of the ROC Centennial, and participate in guided ecological and cultural tours of Lanyu led by local interpreters. Participants are expected to learn, through the simple and joyful lifestyle of the Yami (Tao) people, how to respect nature and embrace cultural diversity. Each selected participant must prepare a gift of “love” to present to the people of Lanyu. The organizers hope that this exchange—free hospitality in return for heartfelt gifts—will foster positive interaction between Taiwan and Lanyu, revive the spirit of barter and mutual goodwill from early societies, and infuse the Centennial sunrise celebration with meaningful and positive values.
▇ 2010 New Year’s Eve Gala
Location: Dongqing Elementary School and Dongqing Beach, Lanyu
19:00—21:30 Talent performances and competitions by Lanyu residents
21:30—00:30 “Happiness 99” New Year’s Eve Concert (featuring Chen Chien-nien, Lin Yi-jung, Tai Li-wei, and other domestic bands)
Welcoming the First Dawn
06:00—06:20 Music of praise before sunrise
06:20—06:35 Drumming to welcome the dawn (Ten Drum Art Percussion Group)
06:35—06:50 Yami women’s Hair Dance to greet the Centennial first sunrise
06:30—06:50 Yami plank boats collectively sailing out to sea to welcome the sunrise and group photo commemorating the first dawn of the 100th year
◆ Collective Plank Boat Launch at Sunrise: Symbolizes the enduring and sustainable relationship between the Yami people of Lanyu and nature, and showcases the intimate bond between the traditional plank boats and the ocean.
◆ Yami Women’s Hair Dance: As the first rays of sunlight illuminate Lanyu, Yami women perform the flowing Hair Dance in tribute to the Centennial dawn. The wave-like movement of their hair represents their greatest blessing for the 100th year.
◆ Ten Drum Sunrise Performance: A renowned drumming ensemble will create a powerful and unforgettable atmosphere to welcome the rising sun.
▇ “A Journey for One, 100 Stories of Inspiration” – Registration, Selection, and Program Details
Registration will be accepted from November 18 until 12:00 noon on December 6. Applicants must complete a registration form; submission of a 60-second video résumé will earn additional evaluation points. Selected participants must prepare a “gift of love” for a Lanyu resident they meet or admire during their journey. The Lanyu Township Office will warmly host these 100 guests, providing free accommodation, meals, island transportation, and guided tours, as well as gifting hand-painted postcards by Chen Chien-nien for participants to record their moving memories of Lanyu. Through one person’s journey and heartfelt dialogue with Lanyu, and through the exchange of gifts of love, the goal is to create 100 touching stories. “Love” is a powerful force; at the beginning of the Centennial year, we hope to start with love—connecting Taiwan and Lanyu and fostering greater respect for nature and cultural diversity. In return, Lanyu will receive 100 gifts of love at the dawn of the Centennial year. For detailed registration guidelines, please visit http://lanyutaitung.blogspot.com or contact the Taitung Sustainable Development Association at 089-227614 or 089-233409.
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