The 4th “2025 Taishan Drum Art Competition” was held with great fanfare on June 7 and 8 at the first-floor plaza of the Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) Sports Center. A total of 43 teams from across Taiwan—nearly 700 drummers in all—joined the competition, representing a diverse range of participants from youth to community groups and veteran performers. The event showcased the vibrant participation of three generations: the young, the middle-aged, and the elderly.

Known as “Northern Taishan, Southern Shijia,” Taishan District in New Taipei City has long been a cultural hub for lion dance in northern Taiwan. In the past, lion troupes would perform traditional blessing rituals at significant local temples such as the Upper and Lower Taishan Temples during festivals. The spirited lion dances would also parade through the streets, creating a festive and bustling atmosphere.

Since 2007, Taishan District has combined local folk beliefs with traditional performance arts to launch the “Taishan Lion King Cultural Festival,” which has become one of northern Taiwan’s major folk performance events. Where there are lions, there must be drums—the drumbeat is the soul and energy of the lion dance. To preserve and pass down this drumming heritage and to enrich the development of local arts and culture, the “Taishan Drum Art Competition” has been co-organized by Ming Chi University of Technology and the Chinese Drum Art Association.

President Liu Tsu-Hua of Ming Chi University of Technology stated that the university has long been committed to integrating arts and cultural education with vocational training. This event offers a platform where tradition meets innovation, allowing both students and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of Taiwan’s traditional drumming arts, while also fostering cultural confidence and local identity.

Chairman Lin Yen-Chun of the Chinese Drum Art Association remarked that traditional drumming is evolving with the times. Many young teams are retaining the essence of tradition while incorporating elements of modern music and creative choreography. This transformation has turned drum art into a cross-generational language, revealing a fresh new face of Taiwanese drumming to the public.

The “2025 Taishan Drum Art Competition” is more than just a contest—it is a grand celebration of culture. Thanks to the joint efforts of Ming Chi University of Technology and the Chinese Drum Art Association, the sound of drums once again resonates throughout Taishan, keeping the spirit of folk traditions alive and thriving in today’s society.

Source: General Education Center