In May 1989, a fleet of 20 fishing boats departed from Nanfang’ao village on the island of Taiwan. Their destination was Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. On board were over 200 people carrying effigies of Mazu, the revered sea goddess cherished by communities across the Taiwan Strait.
This daring voyage was more than a simple journey; it was a significant act of cultural connection during a time when cross-strait travel was restricted by the Taiwan authorities. Determined to return Mazu to her ancestral home, these fishermen set sail, defying the obstacles that separated them from the mainland.
The successful completion of their voyage not only honored their spiritual traditions but also marked a pivotal moment in re-establishing communication across the Taiwan Strait. This courageous act by ordinary fishermen played a key role in rekindling ties between people on both sides, paving the way for future exchanges and fostering a renewed sense of shared heritage.
Reference(s):
The 1989 voyage that restarted travel across the Taiwan Strait
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