In March of the lunar calendar, let's go be crazy for Mazu worship! The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government held the “2023 Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Culture Festival” and launched a series of activities in conjunction with 12 temples in Taichung City. This year, in coordination with the schedule of Mazu pilgrimage of Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, a “Departure Performance” will be arranged at 7 pm on April 14 to heat up the procession. Additionally, a spectacular performance event called the “Viewing Stage” will be arranged at 6 pm on the evening of April 21, which is the date of Mazu's departure. Everyone is welcome to participate and celebrate together.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage has been registered as an important folk activity in Taiwan and is one of the most important religious events in the country. This year, in conjunction with the Mazu pilgrimage and the celebration of Mazu's birthday in the third lunar month, a “Departure play" will be performed at the intersection of Jiangong Road and Yude Road in Dajia District at 7 pm on April 14. They have invited the Ming Hua Yuan Arts & Cultural Group, founded by Taiwan's first clown Chen Sheng Zai and his wife, leading actor Zheng Yasheng. They will perform “Red Dust Love - Unrequited Love of the Ape” depicting a love story between a human and a demon, blending traditional Sichuan opera face-changing with special makeup and effect and with modern professional stage technology, presenting a vivid contrast of the beastly and fierce appearance of the demon pursuing love in the mortal world without regrets.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that in conjunction with the 9-day, 8-night Da Jia Mazu pilgrimage, the “Viewing Platform” event will be held at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Jingguo Road in Da Jia District at 6 pm on April21. High-quality performance groups, including Yingxin Dance Troupe, Mu Feng Creative Dance Troupe, Mystery Magic Theatre, Riona Creative Integration Band, street performers Zhuo Jia-min, Lan Yu-chao, and Sax Jerry (Zhong Shao-xuan), will bring a series of exciting performances such as music, dance, and stunts. At 11:05 pm that night, Mazu will begin her journey, and folk expert Professor Lin Mao-xian will be invited to introduce the traditional rituals and artistic procession culture of the Mazu pilgrimage, exploring the local cultural values based on traditional religious ceremonies.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau pointed out that to provide convenient transportation for the participants, special shuttle buses will be available on Mazu's departure day on April21 and her return day on April30. For related information, please visit the Da Jia District Office website( https://www.dajia.taichung.gov.tw/3011556/post ).

As part of the "2023 Taichung Mazu International Tourism and Culture Festival," the Cultural Affairs Bureau will also arrange performances in various temples in May, including Fengyuan Ciji Temple, Beitun Nanxing Temple, Taichung Wanchun Temple, Shekou Wanxing Temple, Wuqi Chaoyuan Temple, Dadu Wanxing Palace, etc. People are welcome to enjoy the wonderful time of watching dramas in front of the temple. For more details, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website (http://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/).