Taichung Tourism

The biggest Mazu Pilgrimage in Taiwan, a renowned religious event, begins every year in March of the lunar calendar. Designated as an important folklore practice by the Cultural Bureau in 2010, Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is not only a widely celebrated religious activity but an intangible heritage of the nation. In light of its significance, Taichung City is the first to introduce Mazu International Festival, a salient cultural platform that facilitates collaborations among prominent century-old temples in Taichung City.
 
The most significant parts of the Mazu Pilgrimage include the “Departure of the Procession”, “Wishes for Longevity” and “The Return Ceremony”. Prior to Mazu’s departure, followers from all over the nation will offer presentations known as the traditional “departure opera”, which is another indispensable folklore practice as well.
 
Mazu Pilgrimage procession timetable:

• April 8th 19:00-21:00 The Departure Opera
• April 13th 11:05 The Departure of the Procession
• April 14th Resting Ceremony at Changhua City Nanyiao Temple
• April 15th Resting Ceremony at Xiluo Township Fuxing Temple
• April 16th Resting Ceremony at Xingang Township Fengtian Temple
• April 17th 8:00 Wishes for Longevity
• April 18th Resting Ceremony at Xiluo Township Fuxing Temple
• April 19th Resting Ceremony at Beidou Township Dian’an Temple 
• April 20th Resting Ceremony at Changhua City Tianhou Temple
• April 21st Resting Ceremony at Qingshui District Chaoxing Temple
• April 22nd The Return Ceremony at Dajia Zhenlan Temple