The ceremony was part of the 2009 Matsu round-Changhua County blessing procession organized by the county government to honor the widely-worshipped goddess, and to promote the development of cultural and tourism business in the county.

Eleven local Matsu temples joined the 12-day procession which took place from Oct. 5-16.

County Magistrate Cho Po-Yuan, who presided over the religious ceremony at the county's Fuhai Temple, expressed hope that the annual joint procession of Matsu statues enshrined at the temples, which was first held in 2008, will continue next year and in following years to become one of the county's cultural features.

He also reiterated the local government's determination to safeguard the rights and benefits of local fishermen, farmers and breeders of fish and livestock.

The religious event was attended by many folk arts performing troupes and groups of sedan carriers. Their festive performances and unique ways of guarding the goddess during the procession drew hundreds of spectators, county officials said.