28 Mazu Deities to Gather for Northern Taiwan Cultural Festival in Xinzhuang

New Taipei City's Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple is set to host the "2026 Northern Taiwan Mazu Cultural Festival" this September, coinciding with the temple's 340th anniversary. This significant religious event will bring together 28 Mazu deities from 10 counties and cities across Taiwan, offering devotees a unique opportunity to pay homage to multiple sacred figures in one location.

The festival's centerpiece is a grand procession scheduled for October 3 in Xinzhuang. Organizers are inviting people from across the nation to join the event, which aims to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity. The Mazu deities will be transferred from Taipei's Provincial City God Temple to Xinzhuang Ciyou Temple on September 22, remaining there until October 8. During this period, visitors can worship all 28 Mazu statues.

Preparations in the Xinzhuang area are in full swing, including a large evening event in collaboration with a television station on September 19. Following the deity transfer on September 22, a press conference will be held on September 23, followed by a solemn ritual on September 24. A series of cultural and artistic activities are planned from September 25 to 28.

The Northern Taiwan Mazu Cultural Festival has a history dating back to 2004, initiated by Taipei City government and the City God Temple to commemorate the city's 120th anniversary. It expanded into a cross-county festival in 2006 and has been held annually on a rotating basis among different counties since 2011. Xinzhuang District Chief Zhu Sirong emphasized the district's full support for the event, highlighting its role in showcasing Xinzhuang's rich cultural heritage and uniting people through the shared faith in Mazu's compassion.