The 2025 Dadaocheng Summer Festival on the evening of August 20 was meant to be a dazzling celebration of fireworks, but it ended in a shocking altercation that has left netizens stunned. Two couples reportedly engaged in a heated confrontation at Zhongxiao Pier, escalating into a hair-pulling and ground-throwing brawl. The incident started when a 50-year-old woman, surnamed Wu, used a plastic bottle to reserve a viewing spot for her husband. A 22-year-old woman, surnamed Lu, seemingly ignored the bottle and moved ahead to snap photos, sparking an argument.
According to eyewitnesses, what began as a verbal dispute quickly intensified. Both women’s partners arrived at the scene, and although the initial confrontation seemed to calm down, tensions flared again after the fireworks concluded. The disagreement rapidly evolved into a chaotic four-person scuffle, with even the plastic bottle used to reserve the spot being thrown amid the fight. Videos shared online show Wu grabbing Lu’s hair and forcefully throwing her to the ground, while Lu’s boyfriend attempted to intervene but was pinned by Wu’s husband.
Passersby and other festival-goers rushed to separate the parties, preventing further escalation. Police from Sanchong Precinct arrived shortly after and reported that the clash stemmed from a dispute over viewing positions, compounded by post-fireworks jostling. Injuries were reported, including scalp bruising to Lu’s boyfriend and hand and nose abrasions to Wu’s husband. Lu herself did not sustain visible injuries.
Police Action and Public Reaction
Authorities confirmed that all parties declined to press charges but chose to visit a hospital for medical evaluation. The police documented their information and issued fines under Taiwan’s Social Order Maintenance Act. Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention. Some viewers expressed concern over Lu’s hair being pulled out, though others speculated that it might have been extensions or a wig.
This incident follows a previous fireworks cancellation at the festival due to typhoon conditions, which had prompted organisers to reschedule the show to August 20. Despite the picturesque event, the unexpected fight has overshadowed the celebrations, leaving social media buzzing with reactions. Many expressed disbelief that what was meant to be a family-friendly festival turned into a violent confrontation between couples.
Lessons from the Festival Chaos
Eyewitnesses highlighted the importance of public decorum and patience during crowded events. While most festival-goers enjoyed the spectacle safely, the clash serves as a reminder that small disputes can quickly escalate in densely packed settings. Authorities have urged the public to resolve conflicts calmly and to respect others’ space, particularly at major events where tensions can rise unexpectedly.
The Dadaocheng Summer Festival remains a highlight of Taipei’s summer calendar, but this incident is likely to prompt stricter crowd management and safety measures in the future. Despite the viral videos and public concern, organisers continue to encourage attendance, hoping future celebrations can return to a festive and safe atmosphere.