News Title｜Taichung City Seaport Art Center

The Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau is hosting the 2025 Taichung Mazu International Festival. Among the festival's most anticipated events, “Welcome Mazu: HOT Zhentou,” will take place on May 10 and 11 at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center. Centered around the theme “Reviving the Classics, Innovating the Future,” this signature event brings together the essence of tradition and modernity. Nine distinguished performance troupes representing multiple generations—including the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe, Hehe Arts Ensemble, Eye Catching Circus, Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe, among others—have been invited to participate. These troupes will deliver a comprehensive showcase of the charm and vitality of Taiwan’s parade formations (zhentou) and traditional performing arts. We sincerely invite all those with a passion for folk culture and the performing arts to join us in celebrating this vibrant cultural event.

Director Chen Chia-chun of the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that Taiwan's religious activities have a long and thriving history, with the Mazu pilgrimage recognized as one of the three major religious events in the world. In addition to drawing countless devotees and tourists, it has also fostered a rich and diverse zhentou (parade formation) culture that reflects strong local characteristics. Zhentou not only integrates religious rituals with performing arts, but also serve as important vessels for preserving and transmitting Taiwan's profound cultural heritage. For many years, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has organized “Welcome Mazu: HOT Zhentou” with the aim of promoting folk culture through arts and cultural performances. This not only helps the public engage with and appreciate folk culture, but also ensures the preservation of Taiwan’s outstanding traditional arts.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, this year’s performance lineup is unprecedented in scale and caliber. It features several TAIWAN TOP troupes, including the renowned Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe, whose story has been adapted into a movie, and Eye Catching Circus, which has performed in Taiwan Season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Also featured are the pioneering Puzi Techno San Tai Tzu Troupe, the professional Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe, and Hehe Arts Ensemble led by Living National Treasure Lin Wu Su-hsia. Joining them are top-tier traditional performing arts troupes such as Taichung Sheng-Wu-Chou Puppet Troupe, Xiao Jin Zhi Taiwanese Opera Troupe, Beiguan Opera Zhenliyuan Ensemble, and Chun-Qiu-Ge Puppet Theatre. These exceptional groups have not only excelled domestically but have also represented Taiwan on international stages, winning global acclaim through arts. Over the two-day event, all nine troupes will revisit classic productions while also presenting innovative cross-disciplinary performances. From civil and martial parade formations, Nanguan and Beiguan operas, to Taiwanese opera and glove puppetry, the event offers a comprehensive display of the richness and diversity of Taiwan’s folk performing arts.

In addition to the captivating performances, the event coincides with the Mother’s Day weekend. To celebrate the occasion, the organizer has arranged a special on-site market featuring traditional delicacies such as candied hawthorns, as well as engaging craft stalls. Attendees can enjoy the shows while also participating in interactive activities for a chance to receive limited-edition gifts. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of tradition and innovation, and to immerse oneself in the distinctive charm of Taiwan’s zhentou culture. For more details, please visit the Taichung City Seaport Art Center’s official website (http://www.tcsac.gov.tw) or follow the Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/tcsac.taichung/).