Birthday of Mazu (Heavenly Holy Mother)
The 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month is Mazu's birthday. Grand procession ceremonies take place at Mazu temples across Taiwan. The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is one of Taiwan's largest religious events.
Mazu (Sea Goddess) Birthday — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5/1 | Wed |
| 2025 | 4/20 | Sun |
| 2026← this year | 5/9 | Sat |
| 2027 | 4/29 | Thu |
| 2028 | 4/17 | Mon |
| 2029 | 5/6 | Sun |
| 2030 | 4/25 | Thu |
About the Deity
Mazu (Tiān Shàng Shèng Mǔ, "Holy Mother of Heaven") is one of Taiwan's most important guardian deities, particularly venerated by fishermen, sailors, and coastal communities. According to legend, she was born Lin Mo in Song dynasty Fujian, possessing spiritual gifts that allowed her to predict storms and rescue those at sea. After her death she was venerated as a sea goddess. Taiwan has over a thousand Mazu temples, and Mazu faith is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is Taiwan's largest religious event, held annually around Mazu's birthday. Starting from Zhenlan Temple in Taichung's Dajia District, the procession travels through Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi to Fong Tien Temple in Xingang — approximately 340 km over 9 days and 8 nights. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk the entire route. Commonly called "one of the world's three great religious events," it is a powerful expression of Taiwan's faith culture.
How to Pray
Devotees bring three ritual offerings, fruit, flowers, longevity buns, and longevity noodles to Mazu temples on her birthday. Mazu is also venerated as a protector of women; those praying for marriage, fertility, or safe pregnancy are especially devotional. "Exchanging peace amulets" — bringing an old amulet to swap for a freshly blessed new one — is a common practice. Keep the amulet on your person throughout the year for protection.