Tianhou Festival celebration in Dapeng

The annual Tianhou Festival, a traditional folk celebration honoring the sea goddess Mazu, will be held May 8-13 in Dongyu Village in Dapeng New Area.

Observed on the 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar, the festival centers on the centuries-old Tianhou ritual of Dongyu, which was added to Dapeng’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2016.

Scenes from previous Tianhou Festival events in Dongyu Village in Dapeng New Area. Photos from Shenzhen Evening News

Ceremonies will take place at Dongyu Tianhou Temple, a seaside shrine dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Following local tradition, a procession will escort the deity through the village before setting out by boat for a blessing ceremony at sea.

This year’s program combines traditional rituals with new cultural tourism activities, including an online campaign, illuminated night displays and six days of heritage performances featuring fishermen’s songs, folk opera and dance.

First held in 1987 in its modern form, the festival remains an important tradition for local fishing communities, drawing residents, visitors from Hong Kong and Macao, and tourists from across the region.