The splendor of temple festivities enlivens the Lantern Festival! The Taichung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau has organized a series of events for the 2025 Taichung Mazu International Festival. The first event will kick off on February 1, the fourth day of the Chinese New Year, with a performance by the Ming Hua Yuan Star Taiwanese Opera Troupe at Jiuzhuang Ma in Xinshe District. Following that, performances are scheduled for February 9 (Sunday) at Dali Fuxing Temple, February 11 (Tuesday) at Taichung Lecheng Temple, and February 12 (Wednesday), the day of the Lantern Festival, at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Dazhuang Haotian Temple, and Nantun Wanhe Temple. Top-performing troupes from across Taiwan will take turns on stage. Everyone is warmly invited to attend and celebrate the Lantern Festival together!

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Taichung Mazu International Festival has a history of 15 years since Taichung City and Taichung County merged. Spanning mountain, coastal, Tun, and urban areas, the festival integrates artistic performances into Mazu celebrations across different districts. This not only brings performances closer to local communities but also provides a platform for performing troupes. This year, the festival introduces a fresh idea of discovering the splendor and history of Mazu in Taichung, featuring guided tours of temple architecture and engaging cultural and historical storytelling. By intertwining folk traditions with cultural values and fostering local connections, the event ensures the preservation of traditional performing arts and heritage.

The first event for the 2025 Taichung Mazu International Festival will kick off on February 1, the fourth day of Chinese New Year, at Jiuzhuang Ma in Xinshe District. The celebrations continue with five exciting performances around the Lantern Festival. On February 9 (Sunday) at 7:00 PM, Dali Fuxing Temple will feature the Jin Yu Yuan Puppet Troupe, a four-time Taichung Outstanding Performing Arts Group that has represented Taiwan abroad. Joining them will be the Galaxy Band, which blends modern and classical music as a live band, and diabolo master Cheng Yung-tsang, famously dubbed the “Diabolo Ninja.” On February 11 (Tuesday), Taichung Lecheng Temple will feature the HoYi Dance Crew, which integrates street dance with traditional art forms to promote Mazu culture, the Musou Band with its innovative fusion of Guoyue, and the lively, joyful Mazu-themed magic show. These performances will highlight the diverse talents of local Taichung performing groups.

On February 12 (Wednesday), the day of the Lantern Festival, performances will take place simultaneously at 7:00 PM at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Dazhuang Haotian Temple, and Nantun Wanhe Temple. Dazhuang Haotian Temple will feature Shocker Contemporary Circus Performer, the Taichung Puppet Theater (recognized as an outstanding performing arts group in Taichung), and renowned street drummer Lai Hsiao-pu (Boo). Nantun Wanhe Temple will feature an enthralling traditional opera by Ming Hwa Yuan, the Ri Theatrical Troupe. Over at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, festivities at the intersection of Shuntian Road and Jiangong Road will include Royal Dance Studio, guzheng player Mumu, a juggling team of Taichung street performers 451, a clown show by Vardan, and high-energy performances by popular artists AC, Lu Yun, and Ozone. Come and join the celebration for a thrilling Lantern Festival!

On Lantern Festival night at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, a divination ceremony will determine Mazu’s chosen date for the pilgrimage. In addition to the vibrant performances, the event offers a fun lantern riddle contest with special prizes. Attendees can also claim a limited-edition Dajia Mazu keepsake by filling out a questionnaire at the service desk. Moreover, by engaging with the temple's Facebook page—liking, commenting, and sharing the event post—participants have a chance to win eco-friendly Dajia Mazu cup holders and pacifiers.

Other temple venues will also host lucky draws. Limited tickets will be distributed at 6:00 PM on February 9 at Dali Fuxing Temple, February 11 at Taichung Lecheng Temple, and February 12 at Dazhuang Haotian Temple and Nantun Wanhe Temple. The 2025 Taichung Mazu International Festival will run from February 1 to May 17, featuring a series of events at 12 temples citywide. Later activities will align with Mazu’s pilgrimage schedule, including departure ceremonies and performances near Dajia Jenn Lann Temple. In April and May, performances will also be held at Wanchun Temple, Beitun Nanxing Temple, Shekou Wanshing Temple, Fengyuan Cihji Temple, Dadu Wanshing Temple, and Wuqi Chaoyuan Temple. For full details, visit the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau website (https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/).