Thousands of people in northern Taiwan celebrated a fiery Ghost Month tradition. It's one of Keelung's most awe-inspiring festivals—but its origins are steeped in a bloody war. Every year, locals gather during Ghost Month to remember those who died in a battle between groups of settlers to the coastal city. Although the conflict happened 170 years ago, the 15 local clans involved still look back on their history with the ceremony, which has attracted attention from far outside the city's borders

👻 Ghost Festival 中元節 (zhōng yuán jié) 👻 🕯️ What is the Ghost Festival It’s a ritual to bring peace to wandering spirits. According to folk belief, on Lunar July 15, the spirit world briefly opens, allowing souls to return and reunite with loved ones. People offer food and paper money to comfort these spirits and help them return peacefully. 🕯️ What to do and prepare on Ghost Festival? • Preparing Offerings at Home • Releasing Water Lanterns • Holding the “Grappling with the Ghost Pole” (搶孤)