The annual Tianhou Festival, a traditional folk celebration honoring the sea goddess Mazu, opens on May 8 in Dongyu Village in Dapeng.

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.

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 from May 8 to May 13.

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.