National Center for Traditional Arts wins US MUSE gold award for sustainable festival

The National Center for Traditional Arts (NCTA) in Yilan, operated by the PX Mart Foundation, has received international recognition for its “Wenchang Festival” event. The festival won a gold award in the Event-Sustainability category at the 2026 MUSE Creative Awards in the United States and secured second place in the Green Label category of the “Great Northeast Corner Sustainability Story” competition.

The festival integrates traditional religious beliefs with environmental conservation by utilizing the Dongshan River as a venue for low-carbon activities. Participants use solar-powered boats, non-fuel vessels, SUPs, canoes, bicycles, and walking to participate in traditional processions. To reduce carbon emissions, the event replaces firecrackers with traditional performances such as national music, drum troupes, and lion dances, while also encouraging the use of eco-friendly cups.

The event involved 11 temples, over 300 non-fuel vessels, and various educational groups. In addition to the festival, the NCTA is launching a Mid-Autumn seasonal activity titled “Brewing Osmanthus Together” to promote traditional food culture and seasonal aesthetics.