By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
The century-old Baishe Tun Mazu Pilgrimage in Tongxiao, Miaoli, will commence tonight with the “First Flag Raising” ceremony, signaling the start of the journey and informing devotees across the region that the Baishe Tun Mazu is about to set off for Beigang, Yunlin. The pilgrimage will begin on the early morning of February 11, embarking on an 8-night, 9-day walking journey, and is expected to arrive 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 on Shoulders” food street, and a “Mosquito Cinema,” inviting the public to join in the Mazu craze.
This year’s Baishe Tun Mazu walking pilgrimage will hold the First Flag Raising ceremony today, depart on February 11, and is expected to arrive at Beigang Chaotian Temple on February 14. (Photo provided by Miaoli County Government)
The annual Mazu Pilgrimage held by Gongtian Temple in Baishe Tun covers a walking distance of 400 kilometers, spanning four central counties and cities—Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, and Yunlin—before finally reaching Beigang Chaotian Temple. Not only are the departure and return times determined by divination under Mazu’s guidance, but even the route follows the direction of Mazu’s palanquin, making the path unpredictable. This culturally rich religious event was designated as a National Important Folk Cultural Asset by the Council for Cultural Affairs last year.
The lantern nets and lanterns installed along the roads near Gongtian Temple were lit up last night, symbolizing the upcoming Baishe Tun Mazu Pilgrimage. (Photo provided by Miaoli County Government)
Overview of the Baishe Tun Mazu Pilgrimage Series Events:
|
Event Date |
Event Content |
Venue |
Performing Artists or Groups |
|
2/09 19:00 |
Departure Performance |
Gongtian Temple Parking Lot |
Seng Wuzhou Puppet Troupe |
|
2/10 19:00 |
Departure Gala |
Gongtian Temple Parking Lot |
Luo Shifeng, Wang Zhongping, Wang Tong, and others |
|
2/18 19:00 |
Return Gala |
Cihou Palace Front Plaza |
Dongfang Art Troupe, Dà Miàolì Special Effects Troupe, and others |
|
February 10–February 18 |
Mosquito Cinema |
Along the pilgrimage walking route |
|
|
2/19 11:00 |
Dining on Shoulders Food Street |
In front of Baishe Tun Farmers’ Association |
|
|
2/19 15:30 |
Return Performance |
Tiande Temple Parking Lot |
Chunmei Taiwanese Opera Troupe |
|
February 19–February 29 08:00～ 20:00 |
Dragon Shining Mazu Heart Photography Exhibition |
Gongtian Temple Visual Hall |
|