Sun, Apr 18, 2004 - Page 17 News List

Pilgrimage kicks off with religious fervor

Over the coming week millions of people will witness the grandest event in Taiwan's religious calendar - the annual Matsu pilgrimage. While sometimes marred by violence and always a media circus, the huge tourist attraction continues to attract the pious

By Gavin Phipps  /  STAFF REPORTER

With large numbers of people armed with obsolete, yet deadly weaponry and overcome with religious fervor and drunk, Yen's words may fall on deaf ears. Yet, even if violence erupts again, Yen doesn't think it will hurt the festival, but will instead only hurt those who engage in violence.

"The pictures were broadcast nationwide, but I don't see any drop in the number of people coming here or being put off by what they saw," he said. "People know that the bad element will be punished by Matsu."

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