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
Professional
2025

Photographer / Company

Lai Hung Tse

Category

Special Category - Night Photography

Country / Region

Taiwan

Professional
2025

Photographer / Company

RINTARO UKON

Category

People Photography - Wedding

Country / Region

Japan

Professional
2025

Photographer / Company

Hiroto Fukuda

Category

Fine Art Photography - Wildlife

Country / Region

Japan

Amateur
2025

Photographer / Company

Tailai OBrien

Category

Black & White Photography - Pets

Country / Region

Australia