About this Holiday
Peace Memorial Day, observed on February 28th, commemorates the victims of the 228 Incident of 1947 — a pivotal chapter in Taiwan's history. The incident began on February 28, 1947, when a dispute between civilians and government agents escalated into a military crackdown that claimed thousands of lives. Taiwan's democratization brought official acknowledgment and reconciliation, and since 1997, February 28 has been a national public holiday with memorial ceremonies held across the island to honor victims and affirm Taiwan's commitment to human rights and democracy.