ShaHai Cheng Huang Festival, Taiwan

Went with Volk to the Bao-an Temple to see the second day of the festival because we missed the first one. It was really amazing, particularly the hell's soldier dancers - their make-up was incredible!

The instruments these guys are playing sounded rather similar to bagpipes. The parade as a whole was so loud that several car alarms were set off as they made their way down the street.

There were also several people in large costumes, some as tall as 10ft. They represented the Chi'ye and Ba'ye; those responsible for arresting evil spirits and taking them to hell. They had an exaggerated gait and some would spin rapidly as they approached the crowd. I think they would have looked great in slow motion.

Lastly, groups of men would carry a holy palanquin whilst running over exploding firecrackers - all very dramatic! There were heaps of photographers there so if you're interested I'm sure you can find more photos on the net.

On an amusing side note: I saw a man wearing a I<3Wang hat, he he.