Foreign Performers Add European Flair to Taiwan's City God Birthday Procession

Nanto City vibrated with religious fervor and festive celebration as it marked the birthday of the City God (Chenghuangye) with its annual procession and blessing ceremony. The event, held on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, saw a vibrant procession wind through the city's main streets, blending traditional Taiwanese folk customs with unique Western cultural influences.

Leading the procession were figures representing the underworld, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, followed by the generals Fan and Xie, traditional guardians in Chinese folk religion. Accompanying them were various traditional troupes and floats, but a notable highlight was a performance by a group of foreign men and women dressed in elaborate European court costumes. Their dance routine added a distinct flair, transforming the religious observance into a lively carnival-like atmosphere that captivated onlookers.

County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua officiated the start of the procession, igniting firecrackers to mark its commencement. Throughout the route, residents and businesses set up altars to welcome the deity, while temple staff distributed "peace cakes" to the public. The popular "Zhongshan Street Market," a four-day event coinciding with the festival, featured local delicacies, cultural and creative stalls, and artistic performances, drawing significant crowds of residents and tourists.

Magistrate Hsu highlighted the City God's birthday procession as Nanto City's most representative traditional folk activity. She emphasized its role in consolidating local faith, culture, and community spirit. The county government pledged continued support for the preservation of religious culture and local characteristic events, aiming to ensure the continuation of traditional culture while simultaneously stimulating tourism and local business opportunities.

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The City God's birthday procession is not only Nanto City's most representative traditional folk activity but also an important festival that unites local faith, culture, and emotions.