TAIWANfest: A Celebration of Culture, Connection, and Conversation

By Pat Parungao

TAIWANfest returns to Vancouver and Toronto this summer, inviting attendees to explore the cultural connections between Taiwan, Portugal, and Canada, with a focus on their shared cultural exchange and maritime history under the theme “Echoes of the Ocean”. This dialogue will be presented through various events, including live music, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges

The 1990 event that began the festival now known as TAIWANfest was the “Music Night of Taiwanese Composers,” organized by Cecilia Chueh of the Vancouver Formosa Academy at the Vancouver Presbyterian Church. The event was a musical concert aimed at promoting mutual understanding between Canada and Taiwan through the introduction of Taiwanese composers’ works, featuring Tyzen Hsiao as the special guest and attended by an audience of more than 1,000. 

Under the leadership of Charlie Wu and the Asian Canadian Special Events Association, TAIWANfest has evolved from a cultural celebration into a platform for critical inquiry and intercommunity dialogue. In 2016, TAIWANfest launched the “Dialogues with Asia” series and has partnered with communities from Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia, to examine shared histories of colonialism, migration, and cultural resilience that shape many Asian communities, while also strengthening ties among diasporic groups in Canada.

“Dialogue with Portugal” offerings include exhibits on Portuguese tile art (Azulejo), talks (e.g., “Charting Formosa” the influence of Portuguese traders in Taiwan’s past), and a “The Shores of Lisbon” performance by the Harmonia String Quartet. 

 
Rethinking Multiculturalism in Canada graphic. July 24, 2025. <https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1129942029237477&set=a.593865636178455&gt;.

A full program (pdf as of August 7) of TAIWANfest events, including preliminary offerings, eg., a special presentation by Charlie Wu, the visionary Managing Director of TAIWANfest, is available at: <https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1129942029237477&set=a.593865636178455&gt;. On Thursday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m., Wu will lead a cultural dialogue that will invite open inquiry and challenge conventional notions of multiculturalism. Since 2001, he has played a key role in transforming TAIWANfest from a traditional community celebration into a dynamic cultural festival that engages the wider public through the arts. In 2021, Wu was honoured with the Outstanding Taiwanese-Canadian Award by the Taiwanese-Canadian Association.

 
7-to-Smoke Dance Battle Exhibition graphic. August 2, 2025.  < https://www.instagram.com/p/DM4BZ6OqdGg/&gt;

A highlight performance on Saturday evening (7:00–9:00 p.m.) features the Barangay Project Society, led by Filipina artist and first-generation immigrant Sophia Sosa. The group will showcase street dance culture, weaving stories of identity and community into contemporary movement and will feature some of Vancouver’s most talented young dancers.

   
(top) United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC) President (2015 – 2022) Joel Castillo, wrap up meeting with Charlie Wu Re-TaiwanFest2018.  November 6, 2018.  Photo Credit: Salvacion E. Dayao.  (bottom) TAIWANfest Fete with the Philippines graphic.  August 1, 2018. Facebook post by Clifford Belgica.

In 2018, TAIWANfest collaborated with the Philippines, highlighting a range of compelling artistic voices. Among them was Mario Subeldia, a remarkable street artist who first discovered his creative talents while working as a migrant labourer in Taiwan. As a featured artist at TAIWANfest 2018, Subeldia captivated audiences with his sand painting performances, photography exhibits, and a unique fashion show that showcased his multifaceted artistry.  See “2018 TAIWANfest – Mario Subeldia” on the TAIWANfest YouTube channel at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4nm4mjl04s&gt;.

we the same book launch graphic.  Sept. 2, 2024  <https://www.facebook.com/events/383112761088361>.

In 2024, the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society co-hosted a book launch of we the same, by Sangeeta Wylie at TAIWANfest.  Inspired by a true story, we the same is about a family fleeing the Vietnam War by boat and their harrowing and heartfelt tale of survival against all odds. This story was also performed as a play in 2021.  This book launch featured a live panel and reading, food, and music.

In both Vancouver and Toronto, TAIWANfest has become a vital space for fostering empathy, understanding, and unity, and is a truly anticipated summer festival.

Festival Quick Info:

 When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2025 (with preliminary offerings on Aug. 14, 28 & 29).
Where: Various locations, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, Vancouver Public Library, and The Annex at Orpheum.
Website (full program):  http://www.vancouvertaiwanfest.ca
Cost: Free