Taiwan Double Ten Day 雙十 (“10-10 Day”) is the National Day of the Republic of China.(國慶日)
Taiwan Double Ten commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in China and establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. After the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, the KMT fled from China to Taiwan and continued to observe this day. It is essentially the birthday of Taiwan.
At times, the government holds a military parade in Taipei to commemorate the day. However, the government does not do this on a set schedule.
Taiwan Double Ten Day is always a national holiday for both offices and schools in Taiwan. Sometimes the government will add an extra day to extend a longer weekend holiday. Unlike lunar calendar holidays like the Dragon Boat Festival, 10-10 Day is the only holiday commemorating the Taiwan government.
In the past, on Taiwan Double Ten Day, patriotic citizens of an older generation hung the Taiwan flag along streets and alleys . Many of these flag bearers were ex-military from China. They were proud of creating an independent and free society in Taiwan.
Nowadays, fewer people hang flags, and more likely stores and restaurants will offer 10-10 holiday specials.
