[2018 Taiwan Mad About Mazu]Mazu Pilgrimage in Dajia – A Complete Guide (Including Parade Schedule, Route Map, Essential App, and Must-Have Gear)

Mom's Advice

The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, hailed as one of the “Three Major Religious Events in the World” and successfully inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, offers a one-day experience event organized by the Dajia Zhenlan Temple. This allows working professionals and students to participate in this nine-day, eight-night cultural and religious extravaganza outside of their work and studies. Together, they relay visits to 110 temples, continuing the touching journey spanning 330 kilometers.

The Dajia Mazu has decided the sacred lots — the departure will be at 11:05 PM on February 28th of the lunar calendar (April 13th of the Gregorian calendar). All Mazu devotees across the country are welcome to join in sending off Goddess Mazu as she leaves the city.

No registration is required for the pilgrimage.
Those with the ability and experience are welcome to join on their own.
Event period: April 13 (Friday), 2018 to April 21 (Saturday), 2018
This year’s Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is themed “Giving.” It expresses gratitude to all volunteers and devotees who selflessly provide thoughtful services such as meals, drinks, and medical care anytime, anywhere, caring for one another without expecting anything in return — also a reflection of Mazu’s great love.

Throughout the nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage, there are important rituals and ceremonies. To ensure a rich and complete ceremony, ten major ceremonies are held: “Flag-Raising Ceremony,” “Flag-Erecting,” “Peace Prayer,” “Palanquin Ascent,” “Departure,” “Sojourn,” “Blessing Prayer,” “Birthday Celebration,” “Return Journey,” and “Enshrinement.” Each ceremony must follow specific procedures, locations, and times — nothing can be taken lightly.

Followers who accompany Mazu’s palanquin also fulfill their devotion to the deity through these ceremonies, elevating it into a heartfelt wish for family peace and safety.

[2018 Year of the Dog Mazu Pilgrimage Schedule]

[2018 Year of the Dog Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage Route Map]

Day 1 (Gregorian April 14, Saturday) – Departure at 11:05 PM
The pilgrimage begins from Nanyao Temple in Changhua City. Pilgrimage teams from all over Taiwan and abroad traverse the central coastal regions, covering Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi — 21 townships and cities, nearly 100 temples, covering a long journey of over 300 kilometers. The massive scale showcases the powerful force of folk faith. On the final day (Gregorian April 22, Sunday), the palanquin returns to Dajia Zhenlan Temple.

[13 Recommended Items for Pilgrimage Experience]

[Technology Integrated into the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage]

&e Dajia Mazu Location Tracking:
Want to watch Mazu’s location in real-time online? Just use the location service to keep up with the pilgrimage without getting lost (updates only begin after departure)!
→Real-time Satellite Tracking Service for the Mazu Pilgrimage

&e Pilgrimage Essential: Goddess Mazu
The Scout (Bao Ma Zai) reports Mazu’s route conditions, notifying followers along the way to take in laundry and prepare altars to welcome her.

Utilizing GPS technology and cutting-edge live video streaming of Mazu’s departure, netizens can watch the grand Mazu pilgrimage unfold online 24/7.

You can also join Mazu treasure hunts and events. Through location services, users get info on nearby courier services, gas stations, food, convenience stores, showers, temples, and can even plan round-trip routes. It’s super practical.

“Goddess Mazu”iOSDownload Link

“Goddess Mazu”AndroidDownload Link

The 2018 Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage "Hat Party"
Event Origin: In the early days of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, thousands of devotees, along with Mazu’s entourage, wore straw hats, braving wind and rain, following in Mazu’s footsteps. They walked back and forth over 300 kilometers to pray for the safety and well-being of their families — a truly spectacular sight.
The one-day and two-day Dajia Mazu experience tours invite everyone to wear a straw hat and together recreate the charm of the early Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Those who successfully sign up for the one-day or two-day experience and wear a straw hat will receive an exclusive Dajia Mazu pilgrimage souvenir.

2018 Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage "One-day, Two-day, Three-day Experience"
Event schedule and details: https://goo.gl/YDv7Pr
Please read the event details carefully before signing up.
The entire event is free of charge. Please purchase your own travel insurance.
&{? For environmental protection and love of the Earth, please bring your own eco-friendly utensils.

Address of Dajia Chenglan Temple: No. 158, Shuntian Road, Dajia District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-2676-3522

Traffic control measures for the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage event in downtown Changhua on April 14 (Saturday) to April 15, 2018
→ Changhua County Police Department, Changhua Sub-bureau
Various events of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
→ Event link

Article reference source: Dajia Chenglan Temple