HL County Gov. Fosters Int'l Friendship: Visitors from 13 Countries Join Tribal Cultural Tour and Harvest Festival Dance

(中央社訊息服務20250728 16:59:51)To deepen international residents’ understanding and appreciation of Hualien’s local culture and to promote meaningful interaction with the community, the Hualien County Government recently organized the “Hualien Tribal Mission: A One-Day Indigenous Cultural Adventure.” The event welcomed 28 international participants from 13 countries, all currently living in Hualien, who spent the day immersed in Truku tribal life. They tried their hand at traditional weaving, played wooden xylophones, listened to ancient tribal songs, and took part in the 2025 Pacific Austronesian Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival, where they joined the group dance and experienced the warmth and cultural diversity of Hualien firsthand.

The guests came from Malaysia, India, Colombia, Canada, Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, France, Vietnam, Saint Vincent, Paraguay, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Among them were a British journalist, an Irish family, and two French families. The itinerary included a visit to the Dajili Tribal House, where artist Mr. Kuo Wen-Kuei—a member of the Truku tribe—shared his vibrant paintings that blend abstract and figurative Indigenous expression. The visitors were deeply impressed by his work. Ms. Kuo Shu-Juan then led a hands-on workshop where participants made banana rice cakes, practiced weaving, listened to traditional chants, and took a guided tour of the Tribal House. During the cultural exchange session, participants eagerly shared stories about their own food cultures and traditions.

Guests from Malaysia and Vietnam noted similarities between the banana rice cake and traditional dishes like Nasi Lemak and Bánh Tét. A participant from India spoke about the cultural meaning of cherimoya fruit in the Rāmāyaṇa epic. Friends from France and Paraguay reflected on their countries’ traditional cooking techniques, such as steaming and earthen ovens, and discussed their shared memories of home-cooked meals. A professional film crew documented the entire day, capturing both group activities and individual portraits. These photos and videos will serve as lasting mementos of this meaningful cultural experience in Hualien.

The group moved to Dexing Stadium to take part in the Pacific Austronesian Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival that evening. Despite the rainy weather, the energy and enthusiasm remained high. The international guests joined the group dance, filling the venue with joy and excitement. Egohan O’Connell from Ireland, who joined with his son, said, “This is a cultural journey we will never forget. It gave us a deeper understanding of Hualien’s unique heritage. We’re thankful to the county government for giving us such a powerful and unforgettable experience.”

Hualien County Government noted that Hualien is the most ethnically diverse region in Taiwan, with the highest proportion of Indigenous people in the country. The county is also home to a growing international population. By creating a more bilingual and inclusive environment and offering a variety of cultural and international programs, the county government aims to make life more convenient for foreign residents while helping them connect with Hualien’s rich and vibrant local traditions.