Department of Cultural Affairs

Military dependents’ villages are a unique historical phenomenon in Taiwan. In 1949, when millions of military personnel and civilians followed the Nationalist Government as they retreated to Taiwan, these villages served as temporary residential settlements. The newcomers brought with them a rich tapestry of regional cultures from across China. Over time, they adapted to local conditions and developed a distinctive military dependents’ village culture, which became an important part of Taiwan’s historical memory. Military dependents’ village culture can be seen in architecture, cuisine, literature, music, theater, and other parts of popular culture.

The Taipei Military Dependents’ Village Cultural Festival is held annually from September to October and features a series of events. For those who have memories of the villages, the festival offers an opportunity to evoke nostalgia and share stories. For younger generations unfamiliar with the culture, the festival emphasizes the connection between military dependents’ village culture and contemporary society, sparking curiosity and encouraging participation and understanding. In this way, the culture can continue to be passed down across generations.