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Festivals Page 4
Matsu's Birthday 
Matsu, patron saint of fishermen, is one of the most venerated deities in the Chinese pantheon, and her birthday is celebrated with elaborate rites in hundreds of Matsu temples around Taiwan. The largest celebration is at Peikang's Chaotien Temple on the island Matsu. The Taipei temple is located at the very northern edge of the city.
Children's Festival
The Ilan County Government proudly hosts this yearly event centering on the importance of children in the world. The four main features of this festival are live performances, educational exhibitions, games, and (especially) having fun in the water. The goal of the children's festival is to create opportunities for everybody to play together. A years worth of planning and effort goes into staging this celebration that will attract an estimated 100,000 visitors. It has even become an international event as troupes of children have been invited to perform from around the world. Such invitations have actually become quite covetted, attesting to this events growing popularity.
Tomb Sweeping Day
Early April is a time for families to gather and collectively visit the resting places of their ancestors. Have a picnic, pay their respects, clean the graves, place fresh flowers, and perhaps plant a few new bushes or trees. Wads of "ghost money" are dutifully burned in the belief that the smoke will carry the essence of the money (as well as their prayers) and benefit their ancestors in the spirit world.