2026 Matsu Bai-Ming Cultural Festival

<p>The Bai-Ming culture is Matsu's most representative and unique cultural activity, and in 2019, it was recognized as one of the national important folk customs by the Ministry of Culture. 'Bai-Ming' (pronounced 'bei man') is a Fuzhou dialect term meaning 'arranging the night.' Simply put, it involves arranging offerings at night to worship and give thanks to the gods. Held annually around the Lantern Festival, deities from various temples will leave their palaces at night to parade through the area, praying for peace and safety for the entire region. This custom originated in the Changle and Lianjiang areas of Fuzhou and spread to Matsu, becoming the most important, grandest, and unique festival of the year.</p>