Step into the tranquil islands where the sea meets the sky and embark on a spring journey that blends faith, culture, and nature. Matsu’s annual religious celebration, “Mazu in Matsu,” will grandly take place from May 7 to May 9, 2026 (the 23rd day of the third lunar month) at the Matsu Tianhou Temple.
Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters, together with the Matsu Tianhou Temple, local
communities, and tourism partners, will present a three-day pilgrimage celebration. Through
traditional road-cleansing rituals, blessing processions, grand sacrificial ceremonies, and festival activities, the event showcases Matsu’s deep-rooted maritime faith culture while also marking the beginning of the spring tourism season.
Beginning with sincerity and devotion, worshippers follow the trail of incense and faith back to the sacred birthplace of Mazu, personally experiencing the warmth and spiritual depth of this religious tradition.
On May 7, the celebration will open with a traditional road-cleansing ritual. Led by Baoshanggong, the procession will feature drum and gong troupes as well as child deity performers marching in sequence to ritually purify the parade route, demonstrating Matsu’s deep respect for its faith and the preservation of traditions across generations.
On the evening of May 8, the blessing procession will take place as Mazu’s palanquin travels through local villages and streets. Residents and worshippers will line the route to welcome the goddess, praying for peace, prosperity, favorable weather, and harmony for the community. The lively and festive atmosphere is expected to be one of the highlights of the celebration.
The grand finale of the celebration will take place on May 9, the official birthday of Mazu. The Matsu Tianhou Temple will conduct a traditional sacrificial ceremony and birthday blessing ritual in accordance with ancient customs. Worshippers, along with Mazu’s adopted sons and daughters from various regions, are invited to gather and offer incense in celebration, expressing gratitude for Mazu’s compassion and blessings.
That afternoon, the temple will also host the “Mazu Blessing Jiaobei Competition,” where participants will have the chance to win a lucky prize of NT$9,999. The repeating number “9” symbolizes long-lasting happiness and enduring good fortune.
In addition, visitors who are not residents of Lienchiang County can receive a limited-edition Mazu collectible figure co-branded by Matsu Tianhou Temple. To qualify, travelers must present proof of ferry or flight tickets dated between May 1 and May 9, along with photos of themselves taken at two other Tianhou Temples in the county on the day of the event.
The organizers warmly welcome everyone to join the festivities and experience this vibrant and meaningful celebration together.
May is the peak travel season in Matsu. In addition to taking part in the “Mazu in Matsu” celebration, visitors can also enjoy the best season for viewing the famous Blue Tears phenomenon. During the day, travelers can experience the lively religious processions, while at night they can visit places such as the Beihai Tunnel, Dahan Stronghold, or Mabi Bay to witness the glowing blue shoreline that resembles a river of stars, creating a unique blend of faith and natural beauty.
Visitors may also explore attractions including the Mazu Religious and Cultural Park, Iron Fort, and traditional Eastern Fujian-style villages. Along the way, they can savor local specialties such as old wine vermicelli, Jiguang flatbread, and fresh seafood delicacies.
A carefully planned three-day, two-night itinerary offers the perfect opportunity to fully experience the enchanting charm of Matsu in spring.
