Lodz: The National Cultural Association of Taiwan (NCAT) is organizing a two-day "Taiwan Day" cultural event in Poland on September 11 and 12, featuring performances by Taiwanese contemporary dance and folk arts groups, as well as a bazaar showcasing Taiwanese food and culture.
According to Focus Taiwan, the event will begin in Lodz, central Poland, with performances by the Lei Sheng Art Group and Taipei Gong Le Xuan, a Taiwanese Beiguan music ensemble. The NCAT aims to recreate the atmosphere of a Taiwanese temple front on the streets of Poland through these performances, as shared in a social media post by the association.
The event will also feature a bazaar with more than 10 stalls offering Taiwanese foods and goods, such as dumplings, which are likened to the Polish pierogi. Bubble tea and Taiwanese tea will also be available, highlighting some of the distinctive foods Taiwan is known for.
On September 12, the cultural festivities will move to Opole, southwestern Poland, where the MeimageDance Troupe, founded by choreographer Ho Hsiao-mei, will join the performances. The troupe is also scheduled to perform in Austria on September 5 and in Hungary on September 18 and 19.
During a promotional press event in Taipei, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who is also the vice president of NCAT, expressed that the cultural tour is designed to inspire Europeans to visit Taiwan and experience its culture firsthand. She emphasized Taiwan's resilience and diverse society, which encompasses a broad range of folk beliefs, contemporary arts, and unique foods like bubble tea and xiaolongbao.
Vice President Hsiao also noted that despite challenges in diplomatic relations, Taiwan's goodwill toward the world remains steadfast. She expressed hope that cultural diplomacy could foster a deeper understanding of Taiwan within the international community.