Taiwan’s Matsu Pilgrimage spreads message of love in 11 languages

The spectacular Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage is about to begin. But this year despite the pandemic, Taiwan''s annual religious extravaganza is more international than ever. In a tradition now centuries old, an effigy of the goddess will make the pilgrimage to temples nationwide. And live footage, broadcast in 11 languages, will spread the message of love to audiences around the world.

The theme for this year''s pilgrimage "Promise." For the first time, promotional material will be livestreamed to the world in 11 languages including English, Japanese and Korean.

Yu Mei-jen
Taiwan Mazu Fellowship secretary-general
This is the first time the Matsu pilgrimage ceremony will be broadcast live in 11 languages. The whole world needs a healing, compassionate, and comforting energy. Matsu has been protecting us for hundreds of years. It''s time for us to spread the compassion of Matsu to the whole world.

The opening theme song, "I Promise," features ethereal vocals and a haunting melody. It was composed by singer-songwriter Mavis Fan.

Brian
Resident of Taiwan
I think the tune is very calming for the heart, and you can really sink into the feeling of it.

The closing theme song is in Taiwanese, and was written by singer Winnie Hsin. This year the pilgrimage kicks off on the evening of April 9. Over nine days, the goddess will tour 170 temples across Taiwan. In light of the pandemic, masks will be mandatory throughout the tour. But just to hold an event like this shows how well Taiwan has kept the virus at bay.

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