Worshippers of Dajia Mazu, a Taoist sea goddess, gather annually on the third month of the lunar calendar. These worshippers are part of one of the most notable religious events that occur in Taiwan- the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage.
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One of the biggest religious processions anywhere in the world this year, the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, begins on Friday at night. However, early in the morning, people are already lining up at food stalls to fill their stomachs. This is the first procession in three years where worshippers do not have to wear a face mask.
One food vendor says they expect more people now that masks are no longer required outdoors. Another vendor says they are preparing double the amount of food this year as a result.
This year, the organizers expect over 100,000 people to follow pilgrims carrying statues of the sea goddess Mazu. The nine-day, eight-night procession covers around 340 kilometers.
This nearly 300-year-old tradition recently added a modern twist to it: a Dajia Mazu mobile app. Worshippers can receive live updates of the procession progress and even catch live streams at different temples.
A new feature this year is a delivery service where worshippers can send home their change of clothes or souvenirs they buy along their walk. Though the intention is to lighten the load for worshippers, one man says he probably will not use the function.
Regardless of where people find themselves in the upcoming week, the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage will certainly make a lot of noise this year with its cracking fireworks and countless devotees.