Mad About Mazu
How an American YouTuber in Changhua fell for Taiwan's Mazu pilgrimages — five years of firecrackers, flying palanquins, roadside buffets, and a community that adopted him as one of its own.
Five Years on the Road
Apr 1, 2020
First firecrackers in Changhua
A procession near the Changhua Confucius Temple — "on par with the Fourth of July." The sound of the firecrackers hooks him for good.
Apr 1, 2021
The flying palanquin at Beigang
At 北港朝天宮 he films the rare "flying palanquin" — bearers spinning the sedan chair in the air. Viewers compare the footage to National Geographic.
Apr 1, 2022
Sprinting after Baishatun Mazu
白沙屯's route is decided by the goddess. Keeping up means running across rice fields when the palanquin suddenly turns.
Apr 1, 2023
Carrying the goddess
He shoulders Mazu's palanquin himself, feeling the weight that pilgrims carry for nine days and nights.
Apr 1, 2024
One massive buffet
Free roadside kitchens, shared cookies, boxed lunches in return, and volunteers sweeping the streets clean. "My heart is that of a Taiwanese."
