The City God’s Night Patrol is a captivating religious and folk festival in Chiayi, rich with tradition and symbolism. Once lost to time for nearly half a century, it was revived in 2013 with support from the local government. Since then, it has been celebrated annually on the first day of the eighth lunar month, right after the gates of the underworld close.
The event features a grand ancient-style parade led by the City God, along with the Cangue Blessing Ritual, a practice believed to drive away misfortune. The procession is a striking spectacle, with performers dressed as ancient officials, executioners, captors, and prisoners, vividly reenacting historical scenes with a prison cart in tow. Adding to the mystique, artifacts used in the City God's trial of souls—such as the Karmic Mirror, the Oil Cauldron of Hell, and the Book of Life and Death—are displayed, symbolizing divine justice and the consequences of one’s actions. Through these visually compelling experiences, the festival serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate virtue, do good deeds, and reflect on moral responsibility.
During this solemn procession, participants wear a symbolic cangue—a traditional wooden restraint—as a sign of repentance and self-reflection, seeking to dispel misfortune. As the City God’s parade makes its way through the city and past significant landmarks during the Night Patrol, the Road-Cleansing Ritual is performed, sweeping away bad luck and inviting prosperity, ensuring blessings reach every corner of the city.
Each year, the Night Patrol parade captivates audiences with different themes and creative innovations. The entire city comes alive in a dazzling carnival of lights and an electrifying atmosphere, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. for both locals and visitors to appreciate Chiayi’s religious traditions and artistic heritage.