By MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
In 2012, the Pingtung King Welcoming Festival saw the Donglong Temple King Welcoming Peace Festival come to a successful close, followed by the Sanlong Temple King Welcoming Peace Festival in Ryukyu Township, which will be held from November 2 to November 8. While the rituals for welcoming the King are largely similar, Ryukyu Township, separated by a body of water, preserves more ancient traditions and also incorporates the bold and passionate character of the “sea people.” Currently, all homestays in Ryukyu Township have been fully booked, and the Ryukyu Township Office anticipates that this year’s King Welcoming Festival will be even more spectacular than before.
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On the first day of the Ryukyu Township Sanlong Temple King Welcoming Peace Festival, there will be a “Coastal Parade” event, where fishing boats form a procession to circle Little Ryukyu Island, praying for peace and welcoming the deities. (Photo provided by Pingtung County - )
The Ryukyu Township Office explained that on November 2, the King Welcoming Peace Festival’s water-inviting ceremony (inviting the King) will take place at 2:00 PM on Zhong’ao Beach, but in the morning, around 40 to 50 fishing boats will gather to form a fleet, carrying the palanquin and worshippers from Baisha Pier. They will parade around the waters surrounding Little Ryukyu Island, an activity commonly known as the “Coastal Parade,” praying for the safety of all coastlines and harbors and welcoming the Five Kings Who Patrol the Heavens. When the boat carrying the palanquin reaches its respective district (village), it will pause briefly as a sign of respect. This is a unique event in the Ryukyu King Welcoming Festival, and when the fleet is on the sea, it forms a spectacular long line.
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The fleet forming a “Coastal Parade” is a unique event in the Ryukyu King Welcoming Peace Festival. (Photo provided by Pingtung County - )
After the water-inviting ceremony, a four-day parade will begin. Every household in Little Ryukyu will prepare drinks and snacks for the palanquin bearers to enjoy, helping quench their thirst and hunger after their hard work—but taking the food away is not allowed. This practice closely aligns with the ancient saying: “When the Emperor patrols, he eats what the county offers; when he visits a prefecture, he dines as the prefecture provides.” It shows reverence for the Great King. The Ryukyu Township Office stated that “eating as you patrol the county or prefecture” is also a unique King Welcoming custom in Ryukyu. Local gentry in Ryukyu Township have also contributed funds to prepare a variety of snacks and hired caterers to cook delicious food, allowing visitors to experience the warm hospitality of the Ryukyu people. For details, please visit the official website: www.pthg.gov.tw/cyw/index.html.
● Read more: The Grand King Welcoming Peace Festival – Donggang and Little Ryukyu to follow in October
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