Each spring, Taiwan witnesses one of the world’s most astonishing religious events: the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (大甲媽祖遠境). For nine days and eight nights, Mazu — the sea goddess revered by millions — is carried from her home in Dajia Jenn Lann Temple across central Taiwan, visiting temples, blessing communities, and uniting people in one of the island’s most heartfelt traditions.
Recognized globally and listed as part of Taiwan’s intangible cultural heritage, this pilgrimage is much more than a parade. It’s a vibrant, emotional, and physically demanding expression of devotion, community, and living faith.
Origins & Evolution of the Pilgrimage
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage has grown from a regional incense-offering ritual into one of the world’s largest religious processions. This section introduces the roots of the pilgrimage — both the temple where it begins and how the journey has changed over the past two centuries.
Origins of Dajia Jenn Lann Temple
The Jenn Lann Temple (錮潭宮), located in Dajia District, Taichung, was built in the 18th century and has become one of the most important centers of Mazu worship in Taiwan.
Legend holds that the temple’s Mazu statue came from Meizhou, China, the original birthplace of Mazu belief. Since then, the temple has been a powerful spiritual center, drawing pilgrims from across the island and beyond.
Jenn Lann Temple doesn’t just house Mazu — it sends her out, empowering her to walk among the people through the annual pilgrimage.
Historical Evolution of the Pilgrimage
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage traces its origins back to the early 19th century. At the time, Jenn Lann Temple established spiritual ties with Fengtian Temple (奉天宮) in Xingang, Chiayi, one of Taiwan’s most important Mazu temples.
Originally a 進香 (jìn xiāng) — a ritual visit to offer incense — the journey gradually developed into a 繞境 (rào jìng), where Mazu visits communities along the way. Over time, the route became standardized, rituals formalized, and the pilgrimage grew from a quiet religious trip into a massive public event that now attracts over a million participants each year.
Journey & Traditions of the Pilgrimage
To understand the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, you must walk through its path, feel the rhythm of its rituals, and see how the people of Taiwan breathe life into every step. This section outlines the full journey — from start to finish — along with its rich ceremonies and the community that sustains it.
Route & Schedule
The pilgrimage is typically held around Mazu’s birthday (農曆三月二十三日 / 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month). The exact dates are announced yearly based on lunar calculations and temple divination.
- Duration: 9 days and 8 nights
- Distance: Approximately 340 kilometers round trip
- Route:
- Begins at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung
- Travels south to Fengtian Temple in Xingang, Chiayi
- Returns to Dajia by a slightly different path
📌 Major Stops Include:
- Changhua County: Fenyuan, Yuanlin
- Yunlin County: Beidou, Xiluo
- Chiayi County: Xingang (main ceremony)
- On the return: Douliu, Hemei, and others
Participants walk day and night, only stopping briefly to rest or worship. Many sleep along roadsides, in temples, or in supply tents offered by locals.
Rituals & Ceremonies
The pilgrimage is filled with ceremonial milestones, each carrying symbolic meaning. Below is a step-by-step overview of the major rituals commonly performed throughout the nine-day event. Among these, the departure ceremony (起駕), birthday celebration (祝壽大典), and return ceremony (回鑳) are considered the spiritual core.
Common Ceremonial Steps (chronological):
- 請示 (qǐng shì) – Seeking Mazu’s permission to begin
- 請神 (qǐng shén) – Inviting the deity into the palanquin
- 開光 (kāi guāng) – Ritual of spiritual “activation”
- 起駕 (qǐ jià) – Departure ceremony
- 夜宿 (yè sù) – Overnight stays at key host temples
- 換輝 (huàn jiào) – Swapping palanquin bearers
- 暗訪 (àn fǎng) – Surprise spiritual inspections during the night
- 過爐 (guò lú) – Passing over temple incense burners for blessings
- 祝壽大典 (zhù shòu dà diǎng) – Birthday celebration at Fengtian Temple
- 回鑳 (huí luán) – Return ceremony
- 安座 (ān zuò) – Welcoming Mazu back into the temple
Participants & Community Involvement
The pilgrimage is a grassroots celebration involving people from all walks of life:
- Pilgrims include the devout, the curious, the elderly, youth groups, and even international visitors
- Volunteers run free food stations (香客大餐), set up rest tents, offer massages and medical care, or sweep the streets ahead of Mazu’s palanquin
- Entire communities decorate roads, prepare lanterns, and welcome Mazu with performances, altars, and offerings
For many, this is not just a festival — it’s a spiritual calling and a family tradition.
Cultural Relevance & Contemporary Expression
Taiwan’s oldest traditions are constantly renewed by its people. This section explores how the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage remains relevant in modern society — preserving cultural identity, uniting communities, and adapting to the digital age.
Cultural Significance & Social Impact
The Dajia pilgrimage affirms Mazu’s divine presence and her role as protector of all who journey and live near the sea.
It reinforces Taiwanese identity through folk religion, music, ritual arts, and collective memory — keeping tradition alive in modern times.
The event boosts local economies, supports small vendors, and inspires a wave of community pride and participation, especially in rural areas.
Modern Adaptations
To keep up with the scale of the event and attract younger generations, the pilgrimage has embraced technology:
- Live GPS tracking of Mazu’s position online and via mobile apps
- Livestreaming on social media platforms and YouTube
- Eco-conscious initiatives including reusable dishware, clean-up crews, and carbon offsetting efforts
Tips for First-Time Participants
Want to experience the pilgrimage yourself? Here’s how to do it respectfully and meaningfully:
Preparation
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection
- Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, and a light raincoat
- Rest when needed — don’t feel pressure to walk the whole route
Etiquette
- Bow or pray at temples when Mazu passes
- Don’t stand directly in front of the palanquin
- Accept food and help graciously — always say “thank you” (謝謝)
Safety
- Follow the crowd but avoid pushing
- Know your limits and stay hydrated
- Respect rest areas, temple grounds, and quiet zones
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is a masterpiece of living tradition — part endurance challenge, part spiritual quest, and part cultural celebration. It brings together Taiwan’s faith, kindness, and grassroots energy in a way few events in the world can match.
Whether you walk the whole route or just watch Mazu pass by in your town, this event will leave you with goosebumps, good food, and a glimpse into the soul of Taiwan.