It was the first time that we, 'happening', heard that Chiayi City in Taiwan would host the 30th Chiayi City International Band Festival! Our 'happening' team could not help but get excited. After knowing that the festival would also feature world-class artists such as Taiwan's favorite Laura Fygi, American jazz singer Alexis Cole, and Peter Lehel's Finefones Saxophone Quartet from Germany, we were getting even more excited for the Chiayi people.

    Chiayi City International Band Festival (CCIBF) highlights the liveliness of Taiwan and makes the city become internationally recognized in 1993 when the Wind Band Festival was held for the first time. In 1997, the government started inviting foreign bands to participate in the festival. Chiayi City's music path began to grow significantly in 2000 after the city started hosting the Asia and Pacific Band Directors' Association Festival, creating an international community of brass musicians. This time, the 'happening' team had an opportunity to interview Chen Xuhui, Acting Deputy Governor of Chiayi City, to clarify our curiosity about what made Chiayi choose 'music' as the highlight of the city.

    "Previously, Chiayi City was the center of Taiwan's liberal arts. Therefore, Chiayi City Government started organizing a music festival. In 2011, the city joined the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE). Since then, we valued the music festivals and focused on teaching and learning music in the city. Music makes Chiayi more lively. During the past three decades, we have cultivated teaching and learning music and many festivals were hosted as well. Every year, we use music festivals as a bridge to build friendships with music lovers around the world ... Chiayi, this city, is becoming more lively because of music. It is great because of the music." — Acting Deputy Governor replies to our question promptly and confidently.

    As an art press that believes that art in everyday life is important, 'happening' was invited to capture the atmosphere of the opening of the latest outdoor parade in the heart of Chiayi City. We found that many streets were occupied by bands and people who come to watch and support their favorite bands. This event took place at the end of 2022, between December 16, 2022, and January 1, 2023. It was a big event, featuring both indoor and outdoor concerts and activities. Apart from the great parade of 43 young-generation musicians, there were also workshops for participants to exchange musical knowledge and live performances from world-class musicians and orchestras. It was obvious that musical activities had spread out in various places all over the city.

    For Chiayi people, the celebration parade is considered one of their significant events of the year. Tens of thousands of visitors had flocked to welcome and enjoy the parade on both sides of the street, starting from the starting point at the central intersection of Zhongshan Road before stretching all the way to the Chiayi City Municipal Stadium. Despite heavy rain this year, it seemed like the Chiayi people were not giving up. A total of ​​43 musicians, including band members from various schools In Chiayi City, were gathering to show their full potential, especially a group of little kindergarten performers who received louder cheering than anyone else.

    "Good work!"

    "We are rooting for you."

    "You've worked hard."

    "So cool!"

    These voices of encouragement were heard throughout the parade. We were also impressed by the audience as well as the musicians. In the pouring rain and cold weather, the Chiayi people continued to give their best for their favorite musicians. They were really admirable. Music is truly considered the life of the people here, and the 30th year of the Chiayi people's musical journey is something they cherish.

    In addition to the parade in Chiayi City, International parades, including from Senshu University TAMANA High School from Japan, Manjago Africa War Drum Group from Africa, MRG Ukrainian Circus from Ukraine, and Genta Buana Drumline from Indonesia, also joined the festival. The latest band was unique and also gave their best performance to the audience who come to watch during the rain. It was obvious that the rain never bothered this hustle and bustle. The support from the audience encouraged every parader to march up to 2.6 kilometers through the strong wind and rain without giving up.

    Many Thai people may perceive Chiayi as the hometown of Alishan, a scenic national park that has captured the hearts of travelers around the world. But for those who have experienced the phenomenal gathering of thousands of musicians from both domestic and foreign countries and the performance that was to attract audiences for 17 consecutive days like the Chiayi City International Band Festival, the 30th anniversary music festival, they will immediately realize that music has made Chiayi one of the captivating cities for the international music industry. Apart from great excellence, good friendships built along the way also make this country a place to be loved and visited by artists from all around the world music industry as well.

    For music lovers who want to experience the Chiayi City International Band Festival once in a lifetime, feel free to find the information available at www.chiayiband.com.tw This event is organized every year. The website also has information in English as well, so maybe music will take you to many more places in Chiayi and many other cities in Taiwan.

    Author's additional photos and information from traveling in Chiayi and other cities in Taiwan:
• www.facebook.com/japanwarmwarm/Hinoki Village
• www.facebook.com/japanwarmwarm/Beitou
• www.facebook.com/japanwarmwarm/Hayashi Department Store