In Taiwan, when attending outdoor weddings at night, you may see a colorful stage set with electronic music, karaoke and dancing shows. Do you know what is it? Yes! It’s part of the famous cultures in Taiwan--electric flower cars.



     Electric flower cars originated around three hundred years ago. At that time, people would build a stage with a canopy under which performers played instruments or performed dramas. Sometimes in order to perform on the street, people would move the stage onto a car. Later on people just set up the entire stage on a truck and drove the truck around to perform. The contents of the performance evolved from drama and music shows to singing and dancing along with local songs as well as electronic dance music.

     In addition to weddings, electric flower cars can also appear near temples in the countryside. On Gods’ birthdays, electric flower cars will follow the parade to perform. You can also see the flower cars at a funeral, the purpose of the performance is to mourn the dead. Nowadays, the functions and types of electric flower cars have more and more varity. For instance, they can be used as entertainment or for a performance at weddings, annual parties, festivals and celebrations, and funerals as well. For Taiwanese, electric flower cars have become one of the ways to create an exciting outdoor atmosphere. Also, they have become a unique feature of Taiwan, especially southern Taiwan.
The style of electric flower cars was very simple in the past. There were only minimal decorations on the stage, and the settings were also simple. Nowadays, the size of the stage has gotten bigger and bigger, and the decorations are much fancier and more beautiful. There are many drawings and glass bricks which reflect the lights and colors. With music and lights, the performers dance and sing, giving the audience both a visual and auditory enjoyment. In order to perform at different locations, some owners of the flower cars modify their trucks into a stage. In other words, the electric flower cars appear the same as trucks, but by pressing a switch the body of the truck starts to open slowly. After a few minutes, the truck amazingly becomes a shining stage! It’s magical and stunning, just like the movie “Transformers”!

     Electric flower cars have always been an art form. When you watch the show, remember to also pay attention to the art effects presented on the stage. The evolution of those amazing cars indeed brings a new life to the electric flower car culture in Taiwan.