After an abrupt last-minute cancellation due to COVID-19, the annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage is back on. That’s as the Central Epidemic Command Center moves to loosen restrictions put in place to stem the pandemic’s spread.
The temple where the famed pilgrimage begins and ends has sent out a notice to worshippers announcing a new start date of Thursday for the event. However, precautions will still be in place to ensure the health of attendees.
The annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage is one of Taiwan’s largest and most famous religious events. Though COVID-19 kept this year’s pilgrimage from going ahead as scheduled in March, loosened restrictions now mean that the pilgrimage won’t be cancelled altogether.
After using divination blocks to check with the Sea Goddess Mazu, Thursday has been set as the new starting day for the nine-day journey.
But “not cancelled” isn’t quite the same as “going ahead as planned”. In normal years, the pilgrimage attracts tens of thousands of worshippers as it snakes through central Taiwan. This year, only 800 are being allowed to take part. All must wear masks, and no one with a cold or fever will be allowed to take part. The banquet usually held before the pilgrimage is cancelled. Organizers are encouraging those not able to take part to follow the pilgrimage’s progress online.