Unique watermelon carnival held in Taiwan

In the township of Jiadong, Pingtung County, a unique watermelon carnival was held in celebration of one of the island's main holidays, the Dragon Boat Festival. This region is famous for cultivating around 60% of the entire island's watermelon harvest, earning local farmers the respectful nickname "nomads of the watermelon world." The festival, which brought together more than a thousand participants, featured vibrant celebrations and an unusual competition for vertically balancing and decorating giant watermelons. The event served as an excellent platform for promoting local agricultural produce.

Notably, World Watermelon Day is widely celebrated around the globe every year on August 3rd. A striking example of international appreciation for this treat is the Watermelon Festival, which unfolds annually at the historic Eastern Bazaar in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. There, culinary experts present guests with creative dishes and refreshing beverages made from the ripe fruit, while also demonstrating the masterful art of carving—the intricate sculpting of fruits.

In our country, the celebration of this juicy fruit is harmoniously intertwined with the Harvest Festival (Hasyl toýy), which is traditionally celebrated with great fanfare in November. This generous gift of our native land, long valued for its health benefits, brings welcome refreshment during hot summer days and serves as a true centerpiece for every Turkmen festive table.