A historic church in southern Taiwan has seen crowds return again this year for an annual Christmas procession. Though local health officials had to remind participants about mask wearing and other rules, the COVID-19 pandemic failed to put a dent in this year’s event.
The Wanchin Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic church that has stood in Pingtung County’s Wanluan Township for 159 years. The current building dates from 1870. For years now, the southern Taiwan church has been the focal point of a Christmas procession.
Perhaps owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s procession attracted a somewhat smaller crowd, but even still, 8000 showed up.
It seems that the crowd had a bit of trouble complying with special rules put in place this year to prevent any spread of COVID-19, at least initially. Local health officials estimate that around 20% of those in attendance had to be reminded to wear a mask, or that food and drink were not allowed along the parade route or at the nearby Christmas market.
However, they also say that once reminded, people were quick to comply, ensuring a safe Christmas Eve for all.