Mazu religious celebrations held in Taoyuan and Hsinchu

Various Mazu religious ceremonies and cultural festivals took place in Taiwan on October 31, highlighting the preservation of traditional beliefs. In Taoyuan, Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming attended the Wufu Emperor birthday celebration and the 2026 Taoyuan Mazu Ascension Festival. These events serve as significant cultural touchpoints for the large population of Matsu natives living in Taoyuan, particularly in the Bade District.

During the Taoyuan ceremonies, officials from both Lienchiang County and Taoyuan City emphasized the importance of cross-regional cultural exchange. Magistrate Wang noted that Mazu faith remains a vital link for Matsu people regardless of their location, while Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng expressed commitment to supporting the Matsu community in their second home.

In Hsinchu, the 2026 Zhucheng Mazu Culture Festival commenced with a joint procession involving Mazu statues from Dajia Zhenlan Temple and Hsinchu Nei Tianhou Temple. The event, themed “Wind City Benevolent Boat Pilgrimage,” featured traditional performing arts and religious processions through historical districts to pray for peace and prosperity.