Massive Crowds at Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage Spark Litter Concerns; Locals Urge 'Mazu is Watching'

Liberty Times reports on the immense popularity and subsequent environmental challenges posed by the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage as it passes through Changhua, Taiwan. The event draws hundreds of thousands of "Mazu-crazy" followers, creating scenes of overwhelming crowds and, consequently, a significant amount of waste.

The article highlights a local sentiment of frustration, with Changhua residents criticizing some participants for their lack of environmental responsibility. The phrase "深夜拳頭、白天垃圾" (midnight fists, daytime garbage) encapsulates this sentiment, suggesting a disconnect between the spiritual fervor of the pilgrimage and the practical need to maintain cleanliness. This criticism is directed at those who, despite the religious significance of the event, contribute to littering and strain the resources of local environmental agencies.

In response to the growing waste problem, the Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) has deployed recycling stations along the designated routes. They are also running a promotional campaign through their Facebook page, "Environmental Protection in Changhua," which involves a stamp-collecting lottery. Participants can earn stamps by engaging in promotional activities or using smart recycling machines, with chances to win prizes like gift certificates. The EPB aims to foster greater public participation in keeping the streets clean, emphasizing that even small actions, when multiplied by thousands of attendees, have a significant impact on the city's appearance and the burden on cleaning crews.