The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage organized by Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is set to commence. To coincide with this major religious event, the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau is presenting the “2026 Taichung Mazu International Festival,” featuring a series of cultural programs aligned with the pilgrimage schedule.

Among the highlights, a Pre-Departure Performance will be staged at 7:00 p.m. on April 14 at the intersection of Jiangong Road and Yude Road in Dajia District. The renowned Lanyang Taiwanese Opera has been invited to perform Fortune Arrives at the Door(《福氣臨門》), setting the stage for the upcoming pilgrimage festivities.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage spans nine days and eight nights and takes place annually in the third month of the lunar calendar. It has been officially designated as an Important Folk Custom of Taiwan and is widely recognized as one of the most representative religious and cultural events in the country. The event has also been featured by the Discovery Channel as one of the world’s major religious festivals.

To enrich the public’s experience, the festival incorporates a variety of performing arts programs, including the Pre-Departure Performance and the Pilgrimage Procession Showcase, transforming temple forecourts into vibrant cultural spaces where tradition and community converge.

This year’s Pre-Departure Performance features the Lanyang Taiwanese Opera, which has over three decades of experience in preserving and innovating Taiwanese opera. The troupe integrates elements of Beiguan music, traditional Taiwanese opera, and classical theatrical forms, while continuing to explore new performance styles. Its international tours have brought performances to the United States, Costa Rica, Singapore, Canada, and Japan, actively promoting Taiwanese opera on the global stage.

The featured production, Fortune Arrives at the Door, is presented in a lively and humorous style. It portrays the story of a kind-hearted and simple protagonist, Fortune, who unexpectedly attains an official position through a twist of fate. The narrative reflects the traditional saying that “Heaven favors the kind-hearted,” embodying both folk wisdom and a lighthearted spirit. The performance adds a festive and auspicious atmosphere to the eve of the pilgrimage.

The Bureau further noted that on April 17, the day of Mazu’s departure, a Pilgrimage Procession Showcase will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Jingguo Road in Dajia District. The program will open with a dance performance by Shuntian Junior High School, followed by a traditional Chinese music performance by Da’an Junior High School. Additional performances will be presented by groups including the Smile Folk Song Group, the Hsin Yi Fang Taiwanese Opera Troupe, and the Taichung Shengwuzhou Glove Puppet Troupe.

At 10:05 p.m., when Mazu officially sets out on the pilgrimage, folklore expert Professor Lin Mao-hsien and host Li Hsuan will provide live commentary on the pilgrimage rituals and traditional parade formations, offering audiences deeper insight into the cultural significance of Mazu belief.

To facilitate public participation, shuttle bus services will be available on April 17 (departure day) and April 26 (return day). For event details, please visit: https://reurl.cc/gr2YMQ