Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

 What is the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival?For some, standing in the middle of thousands of firecrackers exploding might seem like a nightmare. But for festival go-ers in Taiwan, it's good luck.The Yanshui Fireworks Festival is the third largest folk celebration in the world and involves setting off hundreds of thousands of firecrackers in the middle of a crowd, all dressed in protective gear.Tradition states that this unique festival started in 1885 when there was a cholera epidemic in Yanshui. Locals prayed to Guan Di, the god of war, to bring an end to the disease. On the day of the Lantern Festival, firecrackers were set off along the road in the hopes of inviting Guan Gong to the village. The epidemic ended, but locals continued on the tradition. Today, the festival begins with a parade of palanquins, a large box carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers. As the parade continues forward, the hives, or giant cylinders stuffed with bottle rockets, are lit among the crowd. Need to KnowThe Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival occurs 15 days into the Chinese lunar calendar each year. Because of the nature of the festival, it would be best to attend with someone who is a veteran. If you are going to participate, you should come prepared with flame retardant clothes, a scarf, gloves, and a full-face motorcycle helmet.Did you Know?People believe the fireworks prevent troubles, bad influences and bring increasing good fortune in the new year.Check out the link for more information about this unique event.