Not that I am a true connoisseur, but I was physically present for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 fireworks displays. Based on the youtube video below, this year seems to be more technically sophisticated, longer in duration, and spectacular than any of the past three years.
Furthermore I will add that the theme/ message this year is an improvement over the unfortunate one from 2010 (either “Taiwan up” or “Up Taiwan” depending on one’s reading perspective). It is most appropriate to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of China. 2011 R (heart) C strikes me as being a most Taiwanese expression of jubilance.
Finally, each year at this time I spend at least a few hours watching the TV and newspaper coverage of celebrations around the world. A pattern that I have noted the past three years is the conspicuous absence of the Taipei 101 fireworks display from major media outlet coverage. It is a really interesting and certainly unique ringing in of the New Year. I’m not sure if it is because there is no local affiliate to cover the event. A conspiracy theorist might suggest that the possibility of there being a collective decision to avoid the political theme messages plastered across the top of the building. Your guess is as good as mine.
In the wake of the massive fireworks display after the 2008 Olympics, it is interesting that the Chinese celebration in Beijing is muted. Why is this? Unlike in Taipei, there is clearly a deliberate decision that January 1st (as compared to Chinese New Year which is usually about a month later) be muted or downplayed.
Check out the video below because it is really great.
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