The 9-day, 8-night Matsu Pilgrimage of Dajia Matsu Begins on Friday

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The annual Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage will officially set off at 23:00 on Friday, April 5, beginning a 9-day, 8-night, over 300-kilometer pilgrimage and incense offering journey. The departure, birthday celebrations, and return are the most significant events of the Matsu pilgrimage. The traditional “departure performance” is an indispensable folk custom. This year, the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau has arranged a stage for the departure performance, featuring a show by the Lan Yang Drama Troupe. On March 30 (Saturday) at 19:00, at the intersection of Yude Road and Jiangshou Road in Dajia District, they will perform “Matsu Protects All Beings,” telling the story of Matsu’s suffering and sacrifice for the people, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of Matsu’s compassionate and caring spirit.

Additionally, on the night of April 5 when Matsu 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 skill displays such as lion dance performances by Zhuyong Senior High School from Dajia District, the Hongtu Folklore Troupe originating from the Fifty-Three Villages, and the Zhongyitang group. There will also be the exotic dance moves of the Toyo Japanese Dance Troupe, elegant tunes played by the Zhuangsheng Saxophone Orchestra, and performances by the youthful-styled Diplomatic Four Groups, all bringing the beauty of fine art and cultural diversity to life. After 22:00, Lin Maoxian, who is well-versed in Matsu pilgrimage rituals, parade troupes, and historical stories, will host the event, explaining the various parade groups that pass by the observation platform, helping attendees understand the cultural significance of the Matsu pilgrimage and incense offering, and together send off Matsu as she departs the city.

 

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

 

 

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