Whether a simple pilgrim or a member of the official party, one thing all persons going on the pilgrimage must have is a hsiang chi or pilgrim's flag.
進香的行列，以「聖母鑾駕旗」為前導，沿途所經寺廟，都派出陣頭來歡迎大甲媽祖前去「駐駕」。隨香客在一程辛苦的趕路後，也受到了親切的茶水和飯食的招待。