00:06Over 460,000 people gathered in rural Miaoli Sunday night to join a revered
00:11statue of a sea goddess Mazu on an eight-day procession around central
00:15Taiwan. Attendance to the annual Baishatan Mazu pilgrimage has grown sharply
00:20in recent years and this year's send-off set a record. Religion and politics have
00:28a long history of mixing in Taiwan, and with this many people in one place, it's a
00:32hard event for political figures to pass up.
00:34The route and pace of a 400-kilometer trek is determined by divination, taking
00:58part often means periods of brisk jogging, followed by complete standstills, as well
01:02as sudden changes of directions. Sometimes off the road or into the hills through thick
01:07undergrowth. Those carrying the goddess suffer for their devotion, but consider it a
01:12privilege.
01:29Still, the grueling trek and hot weather can be too much for some, and medics are on hand
01:34to ensure safety.
01:46In all, there are two ambulances, 22 medical patrol vehicles, with a team of doctors, nurses,
01:52nurses, and volunteer first aid staff on call to make sure the event is safe and smooth,
01:57even as the number of devotees following along keeps growing.
02:01Ryan Wu, John Van Trieste, and Bryn Thomas for Taiwan Plus.
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