In celebrating Mazu’s centenary, Taichung City Government has organized the “Centennial Market” at Taichung Park between July 14 to 16, where century-old stores including Lin Chin-sheng Hsiang Pastry Shop, Yen Shin-fa Cookies, Chen Yun Pao Chuan, Iehihuku and Taiwan Museum of Suncake were invited to showcase their specialty pastries. Limited edition Mazu pastries were unveiled during the event, while other Taichung specialty products were on sale, including Wei Jung miso, lacquer art and wood art. The public is invited to savor Taichung’s specialty products while gaining an in-depth experience of the Mazu culture.

According to Economic Development Bureau, Taichung’s pastry industry is rich in heritage and history, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Subsequently, the industry experienced the influences of the Japanese occupation period and postwar period, as well as creative thinking of the contemporary era to inspire specialty pastries that offer sweet and savory flavors. For example, products such as suncake, pineapple cake, green bean pastry, egg yolk pastry and taro pastry have garnered Taichung City the laudatory title of “hometown of pastry”, and these pastries are now the most popular souvenirs among domestic and foreign tourists.

In celebration of the “Centenarian Mazu Festival – Deities Unite to Protect Taichung” cultural event, Taichung City Government has organized the Centennial Market at Taichung Park between July 14 to 16, where 5 century-old stores were invited, including: Lin Chin-sheng Hsiang Pastry Shop, which specializes in jute pastry; Yen Shin-fa Cookies, with a proud history of 120 years; Chen Yun Pao Chuan, specializes in combining Japanese pastry technology with Taiwanese pastry characteristics; Iehihuku, which is famed for its lemon cake; Taiwan Museum of Suncake. Limited edition Mazu pastries were unveiled during the event for the public to savor Taichung’s specialty products while experiencing the Mazu culture.

In addition to a plethora of pastry products, firms from other industries were also invited to partake in the event, such as: Wei Jung Food Industry Co., Ltd., the creator of Miso Cultural Factory; New Lucky Wood, purveyor of lacquered wood art; Xiong Ken Zuo Social Enterprise Limited; Ai Di Da Enterprise Co., Ltd.; Rui Xiang Culture & Creative Laser Technology, so that the public can enjoy gourmet food and shopping at the same time.

In particular, Wei Jung Food, a century-old company, also released the Harvest gift set in commemoration of Mazu’s centenary. By applying the latest digital technology, an app is combined with innovative AR interaction technology, allowing the public to scan the QR code on the gift set to view the interior design of Miso Cultural Factory. Furthermore, the souvenir’s packaging can be used as a piggy bank or ornament, in turn supporting the concept of recycling and reuse.

The Economic Development Bureau announced that 2,000 happiness desserts will be handed out to the public starting at 18:00 on the 14th, so everyone is welcome to celebrate this momentous occasion.