Pasiwali Festival draws music lovers to Taitung

PASIWALI音樂節吸引音樂愛好者前往台東

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The eighth Pasiwali International Music Festival kicked off on Saturday at the forest park in Taitung.

The two-night event features performances by 16 Indigenous musicians and groups from around the world, per CNA. The festival is themed “We Are the Champions × Strength in Action.”

The Council of Indigenous Peoples said this year’s event showcases the depth and breadth of Indigenous music and demonstrates Indigenous cultural richness. The concert also features five traditionally built houses and 65 Indigenous food and handicraft vendors, helping to boost the local economy, the council said.

The council added that the festival has attracted widespread attention from music lovers and tourists at home and abroad. It aims to serve as a global exchange platform for Indigenous music and dance groups, enhancing the global visibility of Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures.

The event also encouraged Indigenous youth to return home and participate, while vendors and nearby businesses have benefited from the influx of visitors, the council said.

The festival comes just after the inaugural World Indigenous Traditional Games, which were held in Pingtung from Wednesday to Friday.