From May 8 to 9, 2026 (the 22nd to 23rd day of the third lunar month), a series of events commemorating the 1066th anniversary of Mazu’s birth will be grandly held at the Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island in Putian, Fujian. From the dazzling “Vigil for the Birthday” to the solemn “Spring Festival for Mazu”, thousands of devotees from home and abroad will celebrate the birthday and pray for peace. Currently, Mazu culture has spread to 51 countries and regions, with over 10,000 temples and more than 300 million devotees.
1. Dazzling Vigil: A Feast of Light and Shadow Opens the Birthday Celebration
At 11 PM on May 8, the themed light show at the Mazu Temple lit up the night sky, with brilliant lights covering the ancient buildings, officially kicking off the “Vigil for Mazu’s Birthday”. At the square in front of the Tianhou Palace, the Mazu Temple’s Tianhou Art Troupe and the performance teams of “Impression Mazu” and “Origin of Meizhou” took turns to perform programs such as “Spring Ode”, “Cloud Dress Prayer for Peace”, and “Flower Ode to Mazu”; renowned singers Jiang Peng and Hu Haiquan passionately sang “Holy Mother Mazu” and “Mother of the Sea”.
At 11:40 PM, the chairman of the Mazu Temple Board, Lin Jinzhan, along with guests including Yan Qingbiao, chairman of the Dajia Zhenlan Temple in Taichung, Taiwan, Liu Bingqing, vice chairman of the Thai Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Wu Fuxiang, honorary chairman of the Xinkang Fengtiangong in Taiwan, Lin Jinzhan, chairman of the Lin Clan Association, and Liu Tao, global ambassador for Mazu culture, followed ancestral customs to perform the three offerings ceremony, presenting longevity peaches before Mazu. At midnight, bells and drums rang, and fireworks burst into the sky.
2. Collective Celebration: The 1066th Anniversary Conference and Spring Festival for Mazu Concludes Successfully
On May 9, the commemorative conference was held at the Tianhou Square of the Mazu Temple. Fu Chaoyang, secretary of the Putian Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, delivered a speech and announced the opening of the conference. At around 10 AM, the Spring Festival for Mazu officially commenced—ceremonial bells chimed, banners waved, and cannons boomed, as the main officiants performed ancient rites, washing their hands and lighting incense. Amidst the melodious ancient music, dancers performed in eight rows, with seven colorful giant silk ribbons converging at the altar, symbolizing the unity of people across the seas connected by Mazu culture and the mutual learning of maritime Silk Road civilizations.
The ceremony proceeded with the initial offering of longevity wine, the second offering of longevity peaches, and the final offering of longevity noodles. The officiant read the blessing, praying for favorable weather, national peace, prosperity for China, and health for the world, followed by the burning of silk and the blessing document, and performing the three kneels and nine bows.
3. Common Roots: Kinship Across the Straits Writes a New Chapter in Cultural Exchange
This event, themed “Paying Respect to Mazu, Sharing Peace”, attracted nearly 50 Taiwanese Mazu cultural organizations and over 400 Taiwanese compatriots to Meizhou. Lin Jinzhang stated that Mazu culture is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of the treasure island, witnessing the shared roots and blood ties across the strait.
During the event, the outstanding works of the “Mazu’s Hometown: Youth Vision” Pingtan-Taiwan University Youth Imaging Creation Camp were announced, with students from more than ten universities across the strait capturing the charm of Mazu culture through their lenses; the Meizhou Mazu Academy was also inaugurated, which will build a regular cooperation platform for cultural inheritance, belief research, and talent cultivation across the strait.
IV. Going Global: Mazu Culture Spreads to 51 Countries with Over 300 Million Admirers
Meizhou Island is the birthplace of Mazu culture. In 2009, “Mazu Belief” was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming China’s first world heritage in the belief category. Today, over 51 countries and regions have built thousands of Mazu temples, with more than 300 million admirers looking towards Meizhou.
According to Zheng Xidian, Deputy Secretary-General of the French Mazu Cultural Association, the association has over 300 members and holds events during important festivals, often seeing local residents spontaneously join the drum team during parades—Mazu culture is entering the daily lives of people around the world.
V. Cultural Empowerment: Building a Core Area for the World Mazu Culture Center
In recent years, Putian City has leveraged Mazu as a “cultural ambassador” to successfully host major events such as the World Mazu Culture Forum, establishing a multi-dimensional international communication matrix. Meizhou Island is advancing the construction of the World Mazu Culture Center to high standards:
- Accelerate the application of Mazu cultural historical sites for World Cultural Heritage;
- Create iconic projects such as a digital immersive experience center;
- Promote the deep integration of Mazu culture with the cultural tourism industry;
- Actively integrate into the Belt and Road initiative, allowing Mazu’s great love to transcend mountains and seas.
Lin Jinzhan stated that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and the Meizhou Mazu Temple will aim to build the World Mazu Culture Center, promoting the living inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and innovative international communication, allowing the spirit of Mazu’s “Virtue, Kindness, and Great Love” to transcend mountains and seas and be passed down through generations.
Quick Read Cards
| Item | Core Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Commemoration of Mazu’s 1066th Birthday and Spring Festival for Mazu |
| Date | May 8-9, 2026 (Lunar March 22-23) |
| Location | Tianhou Square, Meizhou Mazu Temple, Putian, Fujian |
| Theme | Paying Respect to Mazu, Sharing Peace |
| Core Data | 51 countries / thousands of temples / over 300 million admirers / 1066 years |
| International Status | Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is Mazu’s birthday in 2026?
The 23rd day of the third lunar month, corresponding to May 9, 2026, marks the 1066th anniversary of Mazu’s birth.
Q2: Where will the Spring Festival for Mazu be held?
At Tianhou Square, Meizhou Mazu Temple, Meizhou Island, Fujian Province, which is the birthplace of Mazu culture.
Q3: What is the scale of Mazu culture’s global dissemination?
It has spread to 51 countries and regions, with thousands of temples built, and over 300 million admirers.
Q4: What is the core of Mazu’s spirit?
The six words “Virtue, Kindness, Great Love” are an important part of Chinese excellent traditional culture.
This article is based on authoritative information regarding the series of events commemorating Mazu’s 1066th birthday from May 8 to 9, 2026, at Meizhou Mazu Temple.
