Two palanquin bearers in a Matsu parade have taken the internet by storm. A photo of the two men covered in gray ashes has gone viral on social media. The ashes were from the firecrackers set off in an annual Matsu parade held by Yunlin’s Beigang Chaotian Temple. Internet users praised the two palanquin bearers as “real men” who were, quote, “too cool.”

The bearers hold a palanquin carrying Matsu as firecrackers explode around them. The smoke is so dense you can barely see anything.

Photos of the celebration were shared on social media, showing two men caked in soot, their pink lips peeking through. This image drew a flurry of appreciative comments, with people calling it “too cool” and thanking the palanquin bearers for their hard work. One of the bearers in the photo is surnamed Chen. All cleaned up, he is completely unrecognizable.

Chen Po-yang
Palanquin bearer
I had to shower for about an hour, using dish soap. I’ve been doing this since I was in the seventh grade. That’s about 16 or 17 years.

The explosive parade gives the palanquin bearers a heavy dusting of ashes. In some photos all you can see is their teeth. All facial expressions are lost under the black soot. During the procession, it’s hard to avoid getting singed on the body and legs.

Chen Po-yang
Palanquin bearer
For protection we have ear plugs, hats and towels. You have to make sure to wrap up your neck, or you’ll get burns from the firecrackers.

The Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin holds one of Taiwan’s three most explosive Matsu parades. Worshippers believe that the louder the explosion, the more prosperity that follows, and the more impressive their deity appears. The best of processions would not be possible without the bravery, faith and ardor of its bearers.