The Second New Year

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Dong Lin Yang, Taiwan
• Studio
  Dong Lin Photo

Every year in Beigang, a small town in southern Taiwan, the birthday of Mazu—the sea goddess and spiritual protector—is not just a religious celebration.
It is a second New Year.

Unlike the more well-known Mazu pilgrimages in Dajia or Baishatun, the Beigang procession is not linear.
Multiple teams carrying ornate palanquins move simultaneously through a maze of streets and alleys for nearly 48 hours.

Residents stay up all night, preparing incense and rituals at every corner.
At certain intersections, deafening blasts erupt from fireworks—a local custom meant to greet the goddess.