2010 Taichung County Mazu International Festival

A multi-faceted cultural event brings the world to Central Taiwan

By Douglas Habecker
Translated by Naomi Lai

While Taiwan certainly has no shortage of fascinating cultural, folk festivals and festivities, there is one particular standout event that has been growing in size, scope and international stature over the past decade. That event, the Taichung County Mazu International Festival, takes place right here in central Taiwan, in the coastal township of Dajia. Now in its 10th year of existence, this year's festival aims to build on past successes by incorporating an extended, multi-faceted program of events designed to appeal to local and international visitors alike.

Undoubtedly one of the island's most colorful and unique cultural happenings, the Mazu International Festival revolves around one central event--the annual holy pilgrimage for the goddess Mazu, one of the most revered deities in Taiwan. Those who have witnessed the ceremonies, festivities, performances, crowds and commercial activity that occur before and during this week-long journey will agree that it is a truly epic event, evoking comparisons to other world-renowned religious gatherings and pilgrimages, from Mecca to the River Ganges. The size and significance of this event has led the United Nations to include this festival among its Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Taking place every year during the third lunar month, tens of thousands of participants worship, celebrate and journey with the goddess as she makes a late-night departure from her home at Dajia's large, ornate and old Jenn Lann Temple and begins a pilgrimage of over 300 kilometers along a southward coastal route that will cover over 80 temples in Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin and Chiayi counties before returning to Dajia.

This year, after consulting with Mazu on the 15th day of the first lunar month (also Lantern Festival), organizers have declared that the goddess desires that she depart on the third day of the third lunar month, which falls on April 16, with the departure taking place at 11 p.m. as is customary. In a change from previous eight-day, seven-night pilgrimages, she has also decided to extend this year's journey to nine days and eight nights in order to allow followers to travel at a more relaxed pace. Along the way, the pilgrims stay at schools, community centers and other locations, showing their devotion with worship at temples along the route, where they pray for peace and other blessings.

For visitors, from Taiwanese Mazu-worshippers to foreign tourists hoping to experience and photograph an unparalled Taiwanese event, the evening departure of Mazu is a raucous, colorful not-to-be-missed spectacle, ranging from fireworks and sky lanterns to traditional performances and the sight of masses of worshippers packing themselves into every corner in and out of the temple. However, thanks to the direction, leadership and hard work of the Taichung County Government and Magistrate Huang Chung-sheng, the festival has steadily expanded to include a variety of affiliated themes and events. This year's festival aims to appeal to younger visitors and international guests as well, while effectively promoting local attractions and products.

While related events stretch all the way from February to June this year, the highlights will mostly take place in April, which will see an extensive series of traditional and modern events across Taichung county (see schedule), put on by Taiwanese, mainland Chinese and international groups. This includes martial arts demonstrations from Taiwan and China's famed Shaolin Monastery, local Taiwanese drama, the international-class Chinese Shaanxi province Little Plum Blossom Chin Chiang Drama Group, local industry promotions, puppet shows, juggling troupes, Mazu culture special exhibitions, travel and tourism tours and promotions, a Taiwan Rail package promotion, bike-riding activity, street markets and fairs, an academic conference on Mazu and even an international car show. Venues for these events, as noted on the schedule, range from the Jenn Lann Temple and surrounding neighborhood to cultural centers, performance halls and temples in Taichung and Changhua counties and Taichung city. Additional sources of information about times, locations and schedules can be found at the official website http://mazu.taichung.gov.tw or the Jenn Lann Temple website http://www.dajiamazu.org.tw.

Whether you have experienced the Taichung County Mazu International Festival in previous years, or have never participated before, the continuing expansion and evolution of this enormous occurrence means that this year's festival should not be passed up, particularly for anyone wishing to witness and understand local Taiwanese religious and folk culture. Come prepared to be amazed, intrigued, educated and entertained--and don't forget your camera!

2010 Taichung County Mazu International Festival
Opening Activities: Mazu Lantern Festival Evening Party, Opening Activity
Theme 1: Religion: The Mazu Holy Pilgrimage, Ancestor Worship Ceremony for the Global Chinese Nation
Theme 2: Martial Arts: Dajia's '53 Zhuang' Martial Arts Performance, National Dragon and Lion Dance Competition
Theme 3: Performing Arts: Performances by local and international groups, 'The Light of Mazu' evening party
Theme 4: Industry: Cultural Bridal-Styling Competition, Agriculture Produce Exhibition
Theme 5: The Arts: Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage and Creative Embroidery Exhibition
Theme 6: Tourism: Mazu 10,000-Person Bicycle Riding Event
Theme 7: Academic Studies: Mazu International Academic Conference

*Programs may be subject to change.