2024 Yehliu Harbor Purification Festival-New Taipei City Rel

Nestled in the scenic locale of Yehliu, Taiwan, traditional religious ceremonies and rituals are celebrated with great zeal and cultural significance. The residents of this beautiful place are primarily fishermen, making the sea their livelihood. To seek the blessings of the gods, the locals organize the "Divine Purification of the Harbor" ritual, which is a centuries-old tradition.

This religious ceremony is a harmonious blend of myth and culture, with the purpose of removing bad luck and evil spirits from the harbor. The ritual comprises four major activities, including "Sea Cleansing and Ocean Patrol," "Gods Cleansing the Harbor," "Catch Full of Fish," and "Gods Crossing the Fire." It is regarded as one of the three major local folklore and religious events in Yehliu and is registered as folklore in New Taipei City.

The Yehliu Harbor Purification Ceremony is a unique celebration, exclusively found in Taiwan. It is not only a major event during the Lantern Festival, but also the only religious harbor-purification ceremony in the country. The ceremony attracts a large number of pilgrims annually who come to seek the blessings of the gods, ensuring a good catch and calm seas. The intricate rituals and traditions of this ceremony make it a significant part of the cultural heritage of Yehliu. 

The Yehliu Harbor Purification Festival, scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of New Taipei in 2024, promises to be a captivating blend of traditional ceremonies and innovative activities. The festival will feature four traditional ceremonies, each with its unique significance, including "Sea Cleansing and Ocean Patrol", which is performed to pray for the safety of fishermen and the abundant harvest of fish, "Gods Cleansing the Harbor", which is conducted to purify the harbor and protect it from natural disasters, "Catch Full of Fish", which is held to give thanks for the plentiful fish catch, and "Gods Crossing the Fire", which is performed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.