2020 Nanfang'ao Mackerel Festival Flowers Flying and Fish Leaping to Pray for a Bountiful Year, Kicks Off 9/26 and 27

Because the waters off Nanfang'ao in Yilan are where the Kuroshio Current and ocean currents converge, migratory fish resources are abundant, and mackerel production ranks first in all of Taiwan, China, long earning it the reputation of "Home of Mackerel." Mackerel is also the main source of income that many Nanfang'ao fishermen rely on for their livelihoods and that has supported generations of fishermen's children.

The Yilan County Government and the Su'ao District Fishermen's Association, in order to promote mackerel cuisine and help the fishing industry with specialty marketing and promotion, hold the Nanfang'ao Mackerel Festival every year before the peak mackerel season at the end of the year (between September and October). This year (2020) it is being held on 9/26 and 9/27 at the Third Fishing Harbor of Nanfang'ao (in front of Jin'an Temple). Everyone is welcome to come taste grilled mackerel, mackerel rice bowls, dolphinfish fish balls and a variety of seafood delicacies, absorb information on marine ecology, ecological conservation and sustainable fisheries, enjoy local cultural music and dance performances, stroll through the Migratory Turtle Youth Cultural and Creative Market, and even go into the sea to take part for free in activities such as the fun mackerel boat race and the nostalgic oil drum rolling competition by the harbor.

The Yilan County Government and the Su'ao District Fishermen's Association are also adding a mackerel lucky draw. Consumers at the event service desk who donate one receipt of any amount for a purchase made in Yilan County on the day of the event can get one lucky draw chance. Prizes include mackerel gift boxes, limited-edition mackerel wind flags, marine creature grabbers and eco-friendly tableware, among other gifts. The county government reminds the public to prepare a few extra receipts from local Yilan purchases; besides the lucky draw, they can also enjoy a free fan painting DIY. Everyone is welcome to spend more time in Yilan and Nanfang'ao.