The Bashaizhen Mazu Pilgrimage Kicks Off, Sparking Mazu Frenzy

By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported

The century-old Bashaizhen Mazu Pilgrimage in Tongxiao, Miaoli, will commence its pilgrimage schedule tonight with the “First Flag Raising” ceremony, announcing to devotees across the region that the Bashaizhen Mazu is about to set off on her journey to Beigang, Yunlin. She will then begin her 9-day, 8-night walking pilgrimage early in the morning of February 11, with an expected arrival at Beigang Chaotian Temple on February 14. The Miaoli County Government has also planned a series of peripheral events from today through February 29, including theatrical performances and evening galas for the departure and return, a “Dining Stalls” food street, and a “Mosquito Cinema,” inviting the public to join in the Mazu craze.

The annual Mazu pilgrimage of Gongtian Temple in Bashaizhen covers a walking distance of 400 kilometers, traversing four central counties and cities—Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, and Yunlin—before finally arriving at Beigang Chaotian Temple. Both the departure and return times are determined by divination under Mazu’s guidance, and even the route follows the direction indicated by the Mazu palanquin. As a result, her movements are unpredictable, making this a culturally rich religious event that was designated as a National Important Folk Cultural Asset by the Council for Cultural Affairs last year.

Overview of the Bashaizhen Mazu Pilgrimage Series Events: