Malahodaigian (Ear Shooting Festival) is the most important hunting festival in Bunun culture. The festival also includes the Bunun coming of age ceremony where boys will inherit the tribe’s spirit of bravery, strength, and unity. One month before the Malahodaigian, Bunun men will go hunting. On the day of the festival, people would traditionally gather and take turns shooting the deer ear. The ear shooting event has been modified into an archery competition now. Participants shoot at targets shaped like mountain boars and swap skills with each other.
This April, the Yanping Township Malahodaigian finally returns after a two-year hiatus. Besides allowing the public to watch the competitive events, this year, fun interactive games will be available, including Bunun spinning top, soap nut slingshot, and acorus root bracelet. Those who complete all three activities will have the chance to receive painted cement figurines, water bottles, towels, masks, and Bunun roast meat. The gifts are memorable and delicious. Tickets for the activities are $299 NT each and will be available online to purchase. Click the link below to check out this opportunity of a lifetime.
To help everyone understand this traditional Bunun festival, guided tours will be available by reservation. The tours will be led by students from Kuan-Shan Vocational Senior High School who will introduce the cultural meaning behind the different traditions. There will also be food, handmade crafts, and local produce stalls to bring the festival and art market together so that guests can immerse themselves in the exciting festivities.
Date: April 22nd-23rd, 2022
Location: Yongkang Multipurpose Cultural Square (Previously known as Yongkang Elementary School) and Hongye Green Energy Hot Springs Area
Ticket website: https://ttypg.rezio.shop/zh-TW
