Taiwanfest 2025 Shines with Rally for Taiwan Concert in Vancouver

The annual Taiwanfest, a vibrant celebration of Taiwanese culture, commenced in Vancouver on August 30, 2025. This year’s festival highlights the rich arts scene of Taiwan, featuring art exhibitions, cross-cultural dialogues, lectures, and a variety of special events. The festivities will run until September 1, showcasing the island’s diverse cultural heritage.

Among the standout events is the Rally for Taiwan: Music in the Soundscape of Democracy, taking place on August 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the šxwƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, located north of the Vancouver Art Gallery. This concert will feature an impressive lineup of performers representing Taiwan’s multifaceted cultural landscape, focusing on themes of democracy and identity through music.

The festival will present three key acts, each drawn from Taiwan’s various linguistic and cultural communities. Among them is the Indigenous Truku singer/songwriter Lihaw Lihang, whose upcoming album, Alang mu Kbayang — Mother’s Kabayan, honors his mother and his connections to his ancestral lands. Lihang’s music aims to celebrate and preserve Indigenous traditions through contemporary sounds.

Next on the lineup is TUDI-VOICE, a folk rock group celebrated for their poignant songs that address Taiwan’s social realities, performed in the Taiwanese language. They are known for their powerful lyrics and engaging performances that resonate with both local and international audiences.

The third act, Traego, brings a pop-punk energy to the event, performing in Hakka. Their music delves into themes of resistance, youth culture, and cultural identity. Lead singer Allen Lai shared insights about their music, stating, “Hakka is the language I grew up with, so it’s very natural to express things for me in Hakka.” He emphasized the importance of promoting Hakka music within Taiwan’s broader cultural scene, noting the acceptance of Indigenous languages in music.

Lai also discussed the punk rock scene in Taiwan, explaining that while it is not mainstream, it has a dedicated following of indie bands. “Punk here is less angry and focused on rage,” he noted, adding that it offers room for growth and passion.

The concert aims to highlight the significant role music plays in shaping cultural identities, especially amidst Taiwan’s diverse linguistic landscape. Lai expressed excitement about performing in Canada, stating, “Traego has always been quite attentive to the politics around mother tongue and Taiwanese identity. We agree with the message of the event, which recognizes the role that music has played in establishing and reinforcing our distinct identities.”

As Taiwanfest 2025 unfolds, attendees can look forward to engaging performances and the opportunity to explore Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry. For a complete list of events, visit taiwanfest.ca.

This year’s festival not only celebrates the arts but also serves as a platform for dialogue and understanding, reinforcing the connections that music fosters across cultures.