Taiwanese Culture : deity procession

This video was filmed at a traditional Taiwanese temple parade, known as a yíngshén sàihuì (迎神賽會), literally “welcoming the gods”.

In Taiwanese folk religion, local temples regularly organize street processions where the statues of their deities are carried out in palanquins to tour the neighborhood. The idea is that the gods leave the temple to visit the community, bless the residents, and drive away bad luck.

Along the way you’ll see loud drums and gongs, lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and performers in traditional costumes. Many people prepare small tables with offerings in front of their homes or shops and bow as the deity passes by.

For locals, this is not a “show” but a living religious tradition that mixes Taoist, Buddhist, and indigenous beliefs, and it remains an important part of community life in Taiwan today.