By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
After the Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival arrives, bringing lively festivities across the region. The Lantern Festival is also the day when the Dajia Tianhou Temple holds the lottery to determine the start date of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. In response, the Taichung City Government has planned the “Dragon Soars with Mazu – Lantern Festival Reunion Night” event from February 6 to February 11. In addition to holding the “{J{v Ceremony” at the Dajia Tianhou Temple to announce the schedule for the Mazu pilgrimage, the city will also host six Lantern Festival evening events at Mazu temples that are over 200 years old in Taichung, including the Wujhi Haotian Temple, Nantun Wanhe Temple, and Hanxi Lecheng Temple. Performances will be given by the “Nine Heavens Folk Arts Troupe,” the inspiration behind the film “The Drummers,” as well as folk performance groups such as the “Xinyi Fang Opera Troupe” and “Weihong Martial Arts Lion Dance Troupe.” The public is invited to visit these Mazu temples and celebrate the Lantern Festival together.
The “Dragon Soars with Mazu – Lantern Festival Reunion Night” event will take place from February 6 to February 11, featuring performances by folk arts troupes such as the “Nine Heavens Folk Arts Troupe,” “Xinyi Fang Opera Troupe,” and “Weihong Martial Arts Lion Dance Troupe.” (Image provided by Lizhuantang Integrated Marketing)
In addition to traditional artistic performances, the evening events will also feature well-known street dance group “Black Angle Dance Crew,” the “Top Performing Arts Workshop” which combines lion drumming with LED technology, and the “Orange Fire Dance Troupe” showcasing fire dance art, among dozens of other groups. Renowned singers such as Shih Wen-bin and Jolin Tsai will also join in the celebration, offering diverse performances.
This event will be held at over 200-year-old Mazu temples such as the Dajia Tianhou Temple and Wujhi Haotian Temple, with dozens of groups of various styles, including the “Orange Fire Dance Troupe” and “Top Performing Arts Workshop,” taking part in the performances. (Image provided by Lizhuantang Integrated Marketing)
Additionally, each evening event will include a lantern riddle guessing game, with hundreds of prizes up for grabs. Through the traditional Lantern Festival custom of riddle solving, attendees can enjoy artistic performances while learning more about Mazu temple culture. For detailed event information, please visit the official website at www.mazulanternparty.com.tw.