The Taichung City Government will hold a series of Centennial Matzu Congregation-Gods Protect Taiwan events from July 13 to 16, holding a parade ceremony passing by Wanchun Temple, Lecheng Temple, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, Wuqi’s Chaoyuan Temple, Xingang’s Fengtian Temple, Zhanghua’s Nanyao Temple, and starting from the Xing temple of the gymnasium of the National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport to praise the statue of Matzu. A Yanwang ceremony will be held starting on July 14 and for the next 3 days, allowing all of the Matzu temples to show their unique local religious culture, protect the faithful, and make opportunities for the next centennial.

In 1917, the Second Market and Taichung Train Station both opened. In order to promote the sights of Taichung, Wanchun Temple, Lecheng Temple, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, Wuqi’s Chaoyuan Temple, Xingang’s Fengtian Temple, Zhanghua’s Nanyao Temple, and Lugang’s Tianhou Temple came to Taichung for 40 days, holding celebration like never before, and serving as witness to Taichung’s developmental milestone.

100 years later, the city government invited Wanchun Temple, Lecheng Temple, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, Wuqi’s Chaoyuan Temple, Xingang’s Fengtian Temple, Zhanghua’s Nanyao Temple, and Lugang’s Tianhou Temple to build on 100 years of friendship, meet at the Xing temple of the gymnasium of the National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport to celebrate Matzu’s mercy and ask for good fortunes for the nation together. The government also hopes that the Gods may protect Taichung, and help it leave its mark in the annals of history.

The Department of Civil Affairs stated that, in order to recreate the festive atmosphere of the celebration 100 years ago, the city government will invite Wanchun Temple, Lecheng Temple, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, Wuqi’s Chaoyuan Temple, Xingang’s Fengtian Temple, Zhanghua’s Nanyao Temple, and Lugang’s Tianhou Temple to praise Matzu’s statue at the Xing temple of the gymnasium of the National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport starting on July 13. From July 14 to 16, the government will hold a 3 day of Yanwang ceremony, allowing the temples to show their own unique local religious culture and protect the faithful together.

In addition to the Yanwang ceremony, a series of local arts performances will be held infront of the Xing temple including Nanyao Temple’s Beiguan Wind Concert, Wanchun Temple’s head drumming ceremony, Xingang’s Fengtian Temple’s Long-Hsing-Ge Puppet performance, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple’s Electric Nezha, Lecheng Temples lion dance, Chaoyuan Temples traditional music concert, adding religious culture to Taichung’s 100 years of cultural history. The public is invited to attend.

In order to be more environmentally friendly, the Department of Civil Affairs encourages the public to refrain from burning incense or paper money. Faith coming from the heart can equally honor the significance of the ceremony, as well as reduce pollution and protect your health.