TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The 2024 Changhua Mazu festival kicked off Friday (Sept. 27), with a grand procession scheduled to bless the community.
Thirteen Mazu statues from various temples were gathered at Yuanlin’s Fu Ning Temple for public worship. Meanwhile, 15 statues will participate in the procession on Saturday (Sept. 28).
The procession will cover approximately 5.3 km. Traffic controls will be in place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Several roads in Yuanlin will be affected, including Shuangping Road, Zhongshan South Road, Yuying Road, Yuandong Road Section 3, Datong Road Section 1, Zhongzheng Road, Minsheng Road, and Zhongshan Road Section 1. Drivers are urged to cooperate with the traffic restrictions.
Mazu, also known as the Heavenly Empress, is a symbol of protection. Initially a local deity, Mazu became the patron saint of seafarers. To ensure safe voyages, early immigrants would place Mazu statues at the bow of their ships, according to the National Religion Information Network.
As settlements grew, Mazu's role expanded to include protecting communities and fostering unity, making her one of Taiwan's most widely worshipped deities.
The county government organized three nights of cultural performances, including shows from the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group and the New Image Theater Group on Friday and Saturday. A Mazu blessing evening event will be held on Sunday (Sept. 29), with a raffle offering a variety of prizes, from large home appliances like a 55-inch liquid crystal display television to bicycles and Mazu gift bags.
Attendees who like and share the event schedule on Facebook or tag the Changhua County Cultural Bureau on Instagram can get a free Mazu gold foil amulet at the service desk. Each night, 1,000 limited amulets will be distributed.
