COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of all types of mass gatherings- including traditional religious assemblies. For the first time in its century-long history, one annual religious celebration held in Yunlin County has been called off, and a simplified ceremony is set to serve in its place.

The Liufang Mazu statue is unique in Taiwan’s folk religion for being a sacred statue without a fixed temple to call home. Instead, five Yunlin County townships take it in turns to house and venerate this statue of the sea goddess Mazu.

Every year, when it’s time for her to move on from one township to another, locals put her on a palanquin and parade her to her next home in grand style. Not this year, though.

COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of this century-old parade for the first time. A traditional ceremony in the goddess’ honor will go ahead, but in a simplified form, and only with a small group of designated people allowed to take part.

All participants are being required to register with their names, too. The Liufang Mazu association’s Hsu Wan-cheng says this is so that if anyone gets sick, the authorities can quickly determine who else they might have come in contact with.

Ordinary worshippers will have to wait until the goddess reaches her next home before going to pay their respects.