Ceremony honoring sea goddess Mazu draws worshipers to Fujian

Thousands of Chinese worshipers and visitors gathered on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province to celebrate the 1,066th anniversary of the birth of Mazu. The celebration marked the birthday of the sea goddess featuring dramatic rituals including an eight-row dance, ancient music, and massive, traditional sacrificial offerings.

This grand ceremony held at the Meizhou Mazu Temple included traditional and high-energy rites, highlighting enduring cultural ties across the Chinese Taiwan Strait. Mazu, born on Meizhou Island during the Song Dynasty, is the goddess of the sea who protects sailors and fishermen, with her worship inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.