Even the gods throw New Year parties this season—firecrackers and fireworks light up as Matsu's Bangmin Festival kicks off on the 3rd

▲ Bangmin activity in Beigan, Matsu—spirit palanquins meet as deities appear to “greet” one another. (Photo by reporter Lee Tzu-yi, same below)）

Reported by Lee Tzu-yi / Matsu

The Lantern Festival in Matsu is even livelier than Chinese New Year itself. On the eve of this year’s Lantern Festival, Matsu natives scattered across the country all coincidentally rushed back home before the 3rd to take part in the region’s unique“Bangmin”folk faith blessing event, or what locals call the “gods’ New Year,” where spirit mediums were seen energetically visiting other temples to “pay New Year calls.”

▲ A parade during the Bangmin festivities.

On the 13th day of the first lunar month, the Banslee community in Beigan, Matsu, prepares a special “Horse Feed Culture” for the White Horse King. It is said that no matter how fine the weather is that day, it will definitely rain by evening. Sure enough, this year was no exception—while the morning of the 3rd started out clear and sunny, light drizzle began to fall in the afternoon. Despite the unfavorable weather, shops along the streets rolled down their shutters and closed early in preparation for the ceremony, while the airport was bustling with returning locals, bringing an unusual liveliness to the usually quiet Beigan.

By 6 p.m., amid the drizzle, the lively “Bangmin” ceremony commenced. Deities paraded through the streets in their palanquins, swaying left and right—not following the will of the four bearers, but seemingly moving on their own. When they encountered palanquins from other temples, they would move forward to greet them. Firecrackers popped and smoke curled through the air as residents followed behind the parade, praying for peace and safety.

Matsu’s Bangmin is also called “Pai Ye,” meaning offerings are displayed and arranged overnight to worship the gods and seek their blessings. It is the region’s most traditional and significant cultural event. The Bangmin ritual is a unique folk faith blessing activity in Matsu. Each year on the eve of the Lantern Festival, nearly every village mobilizes the entire community to prepare the “Bangmin” atmosphere, and many shops even put business aside to focus entirely on the festival preparations. For the people of Matsu, the “gods’ New Year” is a more important and grand occasion than the “mortals’ New Year.”

▲ Local residents welcome the deities at their doorsteps.

▲ Toward the end of the event at Banslee Elementary School’s “Horse Feed Brick Stove,” spirit mediums move energetically around the stove, mimicking the act of eating horse feed.

On the way back, residents pile up brick stoves at their doorsteps, burn fodder, and set off firecrackers to welcome the deities. Finally, the community sets up “Horse Feed Brick Stoves” and burns the horse feed. This year, the setup was at Banslee Elementary School. As large amounts of horse feed began to burn, spirit mediums could be seen energetically running and moving around the stove, mimicking the act of eating the feed—an extraordinary sight.

Local residents say that after the palanquins return to their respective temples, they continue to offer divination and answer questions for devotees who have made the rare trip home—a major event in Matsu well worth experiencing each year.