A century-old, two-day fireworks event kicks off tomorrow in Tainan’s Yanshuei District, drawing thousands of local and international visitors for a unique religious celebration hosted by the Yanshui Wu Temple.

The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks, celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of the lunar calendar’s first month, showcases the procession of the temple palanquin, with spectators at risk of being struck by “beehive firecrackers.” These firecrackers are believed to “banish misfortune, overcome challenges, and usher in good luck for the upcoming year.”

As the god’s sedan chairs move through the streets, locals ignite firecrackers, while beehive firecrackers, fireworks, and sparklers light up the sky, filling the night with booming sounds and smoky mists, creating a breathtaking and lively atmosphere.

The origins of this festival date back to the late 1800s when residents, battling a plague, prayed for divine protection. Following the guidance of Guandi, the god of war, they carried his statue in a procession and lit firecrackers throughout the night until dawn. When the plague subsided, the firecracker procession became a cherished annual tradition to honor Guandi’s blessings.

Tomorrow morning marks the start of this year’s temple procession, with the main fireworks display scheduled for Wednesday evening at Tainan Municipal Yanshuei Junior High School.

The Tainan Fire Bureau has recommended that attendees wear protective and nonflammable clothing, such as a face mask, full-face helmet, thick scarf, cotton gloves, cotton or denim jacket and pants, and sturdy shoes, to prevent injuries from the fireworks. Anyone not dressed accordingly will be denied entry to the firework launch area.

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