The 9-Day, 8-Night Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage Begins on Friday

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage will officially set off at 23:00 on Friday, April 5, beginning a 9-day, 8-night journey spanning more than 300 kilometers in a sacred pilgrimage and incense offering. The departure, birthday celebrations, and return are the most important events of the Mazu pilgrimage. The traditional “departure ceremony performance” is an indispensable folk custom. This year, the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau has planned a stage for the departure ceremony, with the Lanyang Drama Troupe taking the lead. On March 30 (Saturday) at 19:00, they will perform “Mazu Protects All Beings” at the intersection of Jiangong Road and Yude Road in Dajia District. The performance tells the story of Mazu’s sacrifice and suffering for the people, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of Mazu’s compassionate and caring spirit.

Additionally, on the evening of April 5 when Mazu sets off, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has specially set up an “observation platform” in the parking lot of Dajia Chenglan Temple on Shuntian Road. Starting at 18:00, a series of exciting performances will be presented by local performing arts groups. Zhisi Junior High School will kick off the event with an indigenous dance performance, followed by traditional art performances such as lion dance troupes from Zhiyong High School in Dajia District, the Hongtu Folklore Troupe originating from the Fifty-Three Villages, and the Zhongyi Hall. There will also be the exotic dance styles of the Dongyang Japanese Dance Troupe, elegant tunes played by the Zhuangsheng Saxophone Orchestra, and energetic live performances by the youthful-style Diplomatic Four Groups, showcasing the beauty of fine arts and multicultural diversity. After 22:00, Lin Maoxian, who is well-versed in Mazu pilgrimage rituals, parade teams, and historical stories, will host and explain the various parade groups passing by the observation platform, helping attendees understand the cultural significance of the Mazu pilgrimage and incense offering activities, as everyone bids farewell to Mazu as she departs the city.

 

The 2013 Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Culture Festival runs from now until May 19. In addition to various performances, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has also planned a series of cultural and artistic activities, including the “Travel with Mazu – Photo Submission and Online Voting Campaign,” “Colorful Brush Mazu Watercolor Competition,” “Mazu Culture Special Bus,” and the “Guarding the Land and Protecting the People – Mazu Relics and Creative Cultural Product Exhibition” and “Creative Parade Performance” at the Harbor Art Center. For details, visit: www1.culture.taichung.gov.tw/mazu/2013/index.asp.

 

 

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