Taichung City Government Bureau of Cultural Affairs Hosts the "2025 Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Cultural Festival" - Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage Departure Confirmed for April 4 at 10:45 PM

The "2025 Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Cultural Festival", organized by the Taichung City Government Bureau of Cultural Affairs, kicked off on the evening of February 12, during the Lantern Festival, simultaneously at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Dazhuang Haotian Temple, and Nantun Wanhe Temple. The event attracted a massive crowd, creating a lively atmosphere. At Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, the traditional divination ritual (bwa-bwe) was performed to determine the Mazu pilgrimage departure time, which was confirmed for April 4 at 10:45 PM.

The Bureau of Cultural Affairs stated that, coinciding with the Lantern Festival, the "Temple Elegance" series of events featured four spectacular performances over two consecutive days at Lecheng Temple, Dazhuang Haotian Temple, Nantun Wanhe Temple, and Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, inviting the public to join the celebration. The events at Lecheng Temple, Dazhuang Haotian Temple, and Nantun Wanhe Temple included raffle draws, attracting a large number of participants, while Dajia Jenn Lann Temple prepared lantern riddles and exclusive "Dajia Mazu Blessing Gold Foil Cards", which were highly popular.Dazhuang Haotian Temple Event - Jin Yu Yuan Puppet Theater Performance (Photo / Screenshot from Taichung City Government Website)

Spectacular Temple Performances

That evening, various temples hosted exciting performances:

• Dazhuang Haotian Temple featured Lai Xiaobu, Jin Yu Yuan Puppet Theater, and Shaker, delivering captivating performances.
• Nantun Wanhe Temple showcased Ming Hua Yuan Sun Drama Troupe in the traditional Taiwanese opera "Divine Judgment - The Ghost Thief," highlighting the beauty of traditional opera.
• Dajia Jenn Lann Temple presented the Royal Children's Dance Troupe, Taichung street performers Mu Mu, Si Wu Yi, and Vardan, performing instrumental music, juggling, and clown acts, delighting the audience.
• The grand finale featured performances by Alan AC, Lu Yun, and U:NUS, heating up the festive Lantern Festival night.

Nantun Wanhe Temple Event - Minghua Yuan Ri Character Opera Troupe's Immortal Celebration Performance (Photo / Screenshot from Taichung City Government Website)

Mazu Pilgrimage Festivities Continue

The Bureau of Cultural Affairs further explained that additional events will be held in line with the Mazu Pilgrimage departure, including ceremonial performances and viewing platforms near Dajia Jenn Lann Temple to welcome Mazu's grand journey with diverse cultural displays.

From April to May 17, various temples across Taichung, including Wanchun Temple, Shekou Wanxing Temple, Beitun Nanxing Temple, Fengyuan Ciji Temple, Dadou Wanxing Temple, and Wuqi Chaoyuan Temple, will feature performances by renowned groups such as Yuandian Band, Venus Dance Troupe, Xuanhao Band, Jiutian Folk Art Troupe, and Ming Hua Yuan Sun Drama Troupe.

For more details on the "Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Cultural Festival", please visit the Taichung City Government Bureau of Cultural Affairs official website: https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/.