While everyone else tries to hide from the heat in air-conditioned rooms, one art troupe is pushing their limits.
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In the scorching heat, a group of dedicated individuals are putting their endurance to the test. Twenty-one participants in three teams are embarking on a 28-day challenge to carry an 8-kilogram figure of San Taizi, a Taoist deity, around Taiwan.
The competition, organized annually by the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe, pushes contestants to their limits under temperatures as high as 35°C (95°F).
The extreme conditions have already taken their toll. One participant experienced heat exhaustion, struggling to breathe even after resting, and had to stop to receive medical attention.
Contestants are taking precautions against the harsh sun, like applying sunscreen, as well as wearing hats and sunglasses, one participant explained.
Interestingly, the interior of the figure remains cooler than the outside air, measuring between 29-34°C. This is the result of modifications improving ventilation within the figure, which the Chio-Tian group added after a trip to the Sahara Desert.
The leader of the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe says the challenge tests more than just physical strength; it emphasizes willpower and connection to the land. The 28-day competition focuses on endurance rather than speed, with the fewest rest breaks dictating the winning team. Organizers urge participants not to neglect their health as they shoulder the weight of cultural tradition and personal determination.