Beginning on September 16th and running for a week, 228 Peace Park in Taipei saw a gathering of Matsu followers organized by 16 Matsu Daoist Temples from within Taiwan. The biggest events happened on the 16th, starting with a parade through the Hsimen area of Taipei and ending at a temporary temple in the park. These shots were all from the first day.
*if you click on the photos, you will be taken to a bigger, better looking image. I encourage you to do so.
Large crowds showed up.
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Young and old showed up and while always colorful, the clothing didn't always seem that reverent.
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The followers from the different temples identified themselves through matching T-Shirts, hats or small banners and flags. Many used all the possible identifiers.
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Music was a big part of the event.
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While some of the musicians were quite skilled, others more or less went by the credo of "If you can't be great, at least make sure to be heard."
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The music was provided by folks of all ages.
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Generally speaking, traditional instruments were the order of the day.
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Lots of interesting individual characters were available for portraiture too.
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At almost every Taoist ceremony, the Eight Generals characters show up. With their colourful make up, dress and actions, they are always photographers' favourites.
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Other colourful characters were a big part of the activities too.
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By the end of the day, people (myself included) were exhausted.
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