In Taiwan on the 1st of January, Republic Day is observed. This public holiday commemorates the foundation of the Republic of China on this date in 1912. This day also happens to be New Year’s Day, so it can be hard to determine where one holiday ends and the next one begins.
On this day, it’s customary for couples to spend the day with the wife’s family, as New Year’s Eve is usually spent with the husband’s family. It’s also a day on which food plays an important part in celebrations. Some of the foods enjoyed on this day include Beef Noodle Soup, Hot Pot, and Scallion Pancakes.
The History Of Republic Day In Taiwan
On October 10th, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising began the Xinhai Revolution. This revolution ended the Qing Dynasty that had previously been established by the Manchus during the mid-17th century. Although the revolution was the physical representation of the decline of the Qing Dynasty, its deterioration actually began during the 19th century when China had succumbed to Western and Japanese influences.
This led to an uprising of nationalists under the leadership of Sun Yatsen. The fall of the Manchus happened rapidly on January 1st, 1912 when the Republic of China was founded. The Provisional Government in Nanking was then established and Sun Yatsen became the president of the new republic.
Observing Republic Day In Taiwan
Since the day before this holiday was New Year’s Eve, much of Taiwan is still recovering from the concerts, parties, and fireworks that happened on the night before. So this day is more dedicated to family, although there are public events celebrated on this day as well.
Food is the centerpiece of most celebrations on this day, and the people of Taiwan enjoy a wide variety of different foods. Dishes that can include Century Eggs, Xiao Long Bao, Aiyu Jelly, Pineapple Cake, Gua Bao, and Sticky Rice Dumplings.
When is Republic Day / New Year’s Day? |
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| This year (2023) | January 1 (Sunday) |
| Next year (2024) | January 1 (Monday) |
| Last year (2022) | January 1 (Saturday) |