Temple of boom! Why Taiwan’s religious sites are becoming unlikely rave venues
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Andrew Dawson hosts Temple Meltdown, a lunar new year party series at Puji Temple in Tainan, blending underground music with religious spaces to celebrate community and culture.
- Taiwan's temples, often open and accessible, serve as vibrant social hubs, contrasting with the country's historical restrictions on public gatherings and nightlife under martial law and conservative norms.
- Archi Tsai built a high-end Formosa Sound System inspired by international festivals, investing years and significant funds to create a powerful setup ideal for reggae, dub, and bass music performances at temple events.
- Both Dawson and Tsai are helping shift Taiwanese public perceptions about partying and social propriety, challenging older conservative views and integrating music culture with traditional religious practices.
- Tainan's
