Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Marches On in Central Taiwan
The annual Baishatun Mazu procession, one of the biggest events on Taiwan's religious calendar, has attracted hundreds of thousands of believers in the goddess of the sea. Followers arrive to show thanks for miracles they say they've received or to pray for divine help.
Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage
REPORTER:
In central Taiwan, the annual Baishatun Mazu procession marches southward across this bridge into Yunlin County. It is technically closed for repairs—but the Sea Goddess Mazu, beloved by so many, got special permission to cross.
REPORTER:
The route is decided through divination and is unpredictable. There are sprints, frequent, unplanned detours and sudden stops. Keeping up is tough, but the faithful are committed, many bringing stories of Mazu’s miracles—including sick children cured through prayer.
Pilgrim:
I brought her to pray Mazu would protect her and keep her safe and that she could slowly get off the oxygen machine. At around one year old, not long after I’d prayed to Mazu, she really slowly stopped needing the machine.
REPORTER:
There are stories of love matches at processions in years past: this couple met when this young woman walked the route carrying a “boyfriend wanted” sign. They’re back this year to show their thanks.
Pilgrim:
[Last year] I saw her carrying a sign and just took a picture. Then I kept walking. Once I got to Beigang and went home to rest I sent her a message.
REPORTER:
Many other believers are hoping for a miracle of their own. A mother prays for her paralyzed eight-year-old and a son prays for his father sick with cancer.
REPORTER:
And there is this woman praying the goddess can help find her missing elderly mother-in-law where the police and missing person reports have failed. She gets a brief audience with the goddess after the carriage makes an unexpected U-turn in her direction.
Pilgrim:
I sincerely prayed to Mazu. She will definitely hear my heartfelt words. I really don’t have any direction anymore. I really don’t know what to do.
REPORTER:
As the goddess hears pleas like this, the believers look out for one another too. This truck following the crowd offers laundry service and hot showers for exhausted pilgrims on this multi-day trek—a roughly 400km loop through central Taiwan. For those who believe in Mazu’s mercy and miracles, there’s a sense of community and togetherness as they offer prayers for wellbeing, love, and help amidst heartbreak.
