The Taiwanese Night Markets through the Lens of the Caribbean Expat Community

Abstract

Summary The night markets have become cultural landmarks in Taiwan. They are not only a ‘must-see’ for tourists but also leisure spaces where local and foreign residents interact regularly. It is key for Taiwan to maintain strong ties with its 13 diplomatic allies, many of whom are Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean. This situation has turned Taiwan into a unique meeting point for people from distant SIDS. This case study collects the perspectives of the Anglo-Caribbean community residing in Taiwan regarding their experiences with night markets. We conducted interviews and in situ observations to gather insights into the initial impressions, motivations for attending, and discouraging experiences at night markets among Caribbean expatriates from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and Belize. This case study evidences that despite cultural differences, language barriers, and prejudices, the night markets play an important role in the integration process of the expats into Taiwanese society. Information © The Authors 2024