Sacred Journey: The Pilgrimage of Mazu in Taiwan’s Religious

Photographer

Lai Hung Tse

Category

People Photography - Religious

Company

Lai photography

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2025

Country / Region:

Taiwan

This photo series documents the vibrant pilgrimage of Mazu, Taiwan’s revered sea goddess. Scenes include devotees crawling under her palanquin for blessings, colorful smoke at departure, solemn prayers during passage, and processional footwork through exploding firecrackers—a practice known locally as “eating the fire.” When Mazu’s palanquin pauses at temples, worshippers gather in reverence. These images capture not only ritual intensity but also the spiritual devotion and collective memory that define this faith tradition.

Credits

More Gold Winners
Amateur
2025

Photographer

João Coelho

Category

Editorial Photography - Documentary

Country / Region

Portugal

Amateur
2025

Photographer

Matthew Tuffield

Category

Black & White Photography - Architecture

Country / Region

Australia

Amateur
2025

Photographer

HO, WEI-CHIN

Category

People Photography - Culture

Country / Region

Taiwan

Professional
2025

Photographer

Ta-Chun Lo

Category

Special Category - Long Exposure Photography

Country / Region

Taiwan