The Yanshui beehive fireworks festival was almost cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. On the one hand, Taiwan recently had a Covid scare, and the thought of allowing people to crush together in the streets of Yanshui seemed inconceivable. Photograph: Helen Davidson/The GuardianStories of the festival’s origins vary slightly, but in the late 19th century Yanshui was ravaged by a cholera epidemic. Photograph: Helen Davidson/The GuardianOnce the “beehives” were brought to the square outside the temple, piles of ceremonial money were burned on the ground. Photograph: Helen Davidson/The GuardianBut Lu hoped it was enough to appease the gods.

Source: The Guardian February 26, 2021 13:08 UTC