It is known as one of Taiwan's most exciting religious festivals! The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is a nine-day religious procession held to celebrate Taiwan's best-loved deity—Mazu, the goddess of the sea.

Each spring a statue of Mazu is taken on a 350 kilometer journey from Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia, Taichung, to Fengtien Temple in Singang, Chiayi, and back again.

Hundreds of thousands of people attend the procession, following the statue of Mazu through rice fields and small villages, and stopping off at many smaller temples along the way, where food, refreshments, and places to sleep are prepared for those attending.

During the procession, many believers lie down on the road in order to allow Mazu’s chair to pass over their heads. They do this in order to obtain her blessing. It is also believed that helping to carry the chair or holding an umbrella to shield Mazu from the sun will also bring good luck.

If you'd like to take part in the procession but don't want to walk the whole way—no problem! Many people join for just a day or two. It is a wonderful way to experience Taiwan's special religious culture!

這可是台灣最令人興奮的著名宗教慶典！大甲媽祖遶境屬於為期九天的宗教遊行，專為慶祝台灣最受愛戴的神祇「海神媽祖」所舉辦。

每年春季，信徒會帶著一尊媽祖神像遶境350公里；從台中大甲鎮瀾宮出發，前往嘉義新港奉天宮再折返。

數以萬計的信眾均參加此遊行，跟著媽祖神像穿越稻田與小村莊、沿途駐駕許多小型廟宇，以便享用為參加遊行的人所準備的食物、茶點與住宿處。

遊行期間，許多信徒會躺在路上，以便媽祖的神轎能橫越他們的頭部。這麼做的目的，是為了獲得媽祖的庇佑。據說協助抬轎或為媽祖撐傘擋太陽，一樣能帶來好運。

如果你想參加遊行，卻又不想走完全程─沒問題！許多人都只會參加一兩 天的行程。而這是一個體驗台灣特殊宗教文化的絕佳方式！