The unique and amazing characteristics of the Truku Tribe’s dance and music originate from a coalescence of daily life immersed in the natural environment. Further, the food, clothing, housing, and travel of the tribespeople are where the traditional culture is derived. Taroko National Park Headquarters continues to promote its annual series featuring a Music Festival and Traditional Cultural Event. It is hoped that these events will encourage the education of tribal youth about traditional skills, activate local cultural industry development, and allow people to get firsthand experience with the Truku Tribe. Local musicians and members of the tribal associations have been cordially invited in order to bring visitors a glimpse into the wonderfully rich and beautiful tribal culture of the Truku Tribe.
The Truku Tribal Music Festival and Traditional Cultural Event will take place on the Taroko Terrace starting in April. A series of six sessions will be held on the following dates: April 13th, May 11th, June 8th, September 14th, November 9th, and December 14th. The concerts will take place at each session from 2:30pm to 3:10pm. The traditional dance and music group Ketusan Music Production Studio, Xiulin Township Truku Tribal Tradition Culture Development Association and Xiagu Musical and Dancing Group will be performing. The themes include traditional life, the sounds of the gorge, and the styles of the Truku people. In addition to singing and dancing, there will also be performances paired with the traditional musical instruments of the Truku tribe including the Jew's Harp Guild, The Taroko xylophone, and short flute.
The Taroko National Park Headquarters Management Office states that the source material for the musical instruments of the Truku people is constructed from the local ecology. Spontaneous singing and dancing erupt with these handcrafted instruments at the emotionally charged celebrations and ceremonies which express awe of nature. Therefore, through their music and dance, the interconnectedness between the Truku people and natural environment is self-evident.
In addition to the tribal concerts, the Traditional Cultural Events will be held from 1:20 pm to 3:30 pm. The themes include traditional costumes and traditional woven baskets, seasonal ingredients, traditional cuisine and activities for children. Interpretation of their culture will also be led by tribal residents. During each session, they will exhibit and sell special season products, which increases the tribal income and promotes the economy of the tribe.
The activities are free of charge and anyone interested is invited to participate in the festivities. For more information, please visit the Taroko National Park official website or call Miss Liu at 03-8621100 #806.
News issued by Taroko National Park Headquarters