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Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Brings Young Energy to Aging Taiwan Village
One of East Asia’s largest religious pilgrimages has reached its halfway point in the southern Taiwanese town of Beigang, briefly turning a quiet, aging community into a lively hub filled with young pilgrims.
Every spring, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage sees hundreds of thousands of people walk more than 300 kilometers to honor Mazu, the goddess of the sea and Taiwan’s most widely worshiped folk deity. This year’s crowd is the largest in the event’s 160-year history, attracted over 600,000 people during the course of the event.
Among them is Mr. Wu, a pilgrim making his first full journey from Baishatun to Beigang. “It’s really exciting, of course,” he said. “Before, I only ever walked part of the way. This is the first time I’ve walked from Baishatun to Beigang. It was a real personal challenge.”
For the village of Beigang in Yunlin County, the pilgrimage has brought more than just spiritual blessings. With many residents having moved away for work over the past few decades, the town’s streets are often quiet and populated mostly by older residents. But for a few days each year, the pilgrimage injects new life into the area.
Ms. Lu, a worshiper in her late 70s, said she continues to walk in the pilgrimage out of deep devotion. “I’ve personally felt Mazu has saved me many times,” she said. “So even though I’m nearly 80, I can only take this chance to serve Mazu and walk with her.”
The rising participation of young people has caught the attention of locals. Olin, a 24-year-old participant, said the pilgrimage provides more than just a spiritual experience. “I think because maybe in your life, you have some trouble or something problem you want to pray,” he said. “And then maybe I think the Mazu will give us like the belief to understand what we’re gonna do next and give it some direction.”
For Beigang residents, the return of young people—even temporarily—is a source of pride and hope.
“What can I say?” said Ms. Yang, a longtime resident. “I’m really moved. Young people can follow the older generation in passing on [this tradition]. I’m truly happy.”
As the pilgrims prepare to head back north with the statue of Mazu, Beigang’s streets will soon return to their usual calm. But for those who live here, the annual journey is a reminder that their culture and traditions continue to resonate with the next generation.
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