Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan ― Date, History, and Details
Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Taiwan’s Retrocession Day in Taiwan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Retrocession Day, or “guo qing” in Mandarin, is a public holiday in Taiwan that commemorates the island’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1945. The holiday is celebrated with a variety of events and activities, including concerts, parades, and cultural performances. This year’s Retrocession Day falls on October 10th.
The history of Retrocession Day dates back to 1895, when the Qing Dynasty ceded Taiwan to Japan following the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan remained under Japanese rule for 50 years, until the end of World War II, when it was returned to China. The island was then placed under the jurisdiction of the Nationalist government, which had been exiled to Taiwan following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War.
Retrocession Day was first celebrated in 1947, two years after the island’s return to Chinese sovereignty. It was originally a somber occasion, intended to commemorate those who had died during the Japanese occupation. Over time, however, the holiday has become more festive, and now includes a variety of events and activities.
One of the most popular events is the Taipei International Floral Exposition, which features displays of flowers and plants from all over the world. Other activities include concerts, parades, and cultural performances. Retrocession Day is also an opportunity for Taiwanese people to reflect on their identity and history. For many, it is a reminder of the island’s unique status as a part of China that is not under Communist rule.