Tainan's 'Xuejia Shang Baijiao' Festival Kicks Off with Grand Procession

The vibrant streets of Xuejia, Tainan, came alive on April 25, 2026, as the revered national folk custom of "Xuejia Shang Baijiao" unfolded. This significant cultural event, which traces its roots back 365 years to the arrival of the deity Baosheng Dadi with ancestor Li's followers from Zheng Chenggong's army, is a profound expression of remembrance and continuity.

The procession, a cornerstone of Tainan's coastal religious festivals, saw the "Centipede Formation" from the Jihe Temple take its place as the vanguard. This unique, human-powered float, recently adorned with new dragon head and phoenix tail designs after half a century, led a spectacular parade. Following closely were numerous deity palanquins, elaborate artistic floats (yige), and dynamic performance troupes, culminating in the grand palanquin of Baosheng Dadi from the Ciji Temple, which joined the procession after midday.

Locals and visitors alike lined the route, setting up altars and kneeling to touch the palanquins and the centipede formation, seeking blessings for peace and prosperity. The event, officially recognized as a national important folk custom in 2022, is particularly special this year as it marks a "normal year" observance, distinct from the larger "Xuejia Xiang" grand procession held every four years. The inclusion of lively performances, such as the Song Jiang formations and lion dances, alongside the distribution of candies and snacks from the floats, added to the festive atmosphere, underscoring the deep community engagement and shared cultural heritage that defines this cherished tradition.