Sandimen Township holds 2026 Masalut Harvest Festival

The 2026 Sandimen Township Harvest Festival, known as Masalut, concluded on August 10 in Pingtung County. Centered on the theme of ‘Sustainability and Blessing,’ the two-day event celebrated the Paiwan people's traditional seasonal rituals through song, dance, and community competitions.

Key highlights included a ‘hundred-person circle dance’ involving Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, tribal elders, and local residents to honor ancestral spirits and the land. The festival featured various cultural activities, such as the first ‘Samiling Star’ prince and princess pageant, traditional warrior dances, and a local market showcasing indigenous handicrafts and cuisine.

During the event, Magistrate Chou addressed regional development, noting that reconstruction of the Koushe Bridge is underway following previous typhoon damage. She also highlighted government efforts to clarify land rights for permanent housing and social welfare measures, including subsidized school lunches and health insurance support for seniors over 55.