Mazu is a sea goddess who plays a significant role in Taiwanese culture. Every year, temples around the country host festivals that celebrate Mazu and the good fortune that she brings.
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A large crowd eagerly awaits an explosion of firecrackers. Temple worshippers in Yunlin County’s Beigang are welcoming the arrival of the goddess Mazu.
Tradition says that the explosions will help bring good luck and wealth, and the bigger the explosion the better. The crowd uses a variety of firecrackers to ensure their good fortune.
The Mazu procession brings a lot of festivities as well as a boost to local tourism. Beigang Chaotian Temple head Tsai Yung-te (蔡咏鍀) says the festival has attracted an international audience, with people from Japan, the United States, and other countries attending. Yunlin Mayor Chang Li-shan (張麗善) also says the holiday inspires a lot of activities and brings people together to pray to Mazu for peace.
After all the smoke clears, people start getting ready for the nighttime parade. Children dress up in traditional costumes and ride on vehicles covered in flowers, and they throw candy and cookies into the crowd. Some say that Mazu is like Taiwan’s honorary foreign minister for bringing people from near and far to join together in celebration.