The annual parade celebrating the birth of Mazu, a revered goddess of the sea, took place in Shipai village, Guangzhou's Tianhe district, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, or May 1.

The goddess is widely respected in China, as she safeguards fishermen's lives. The custom of paying respects to Mazu in Shipai dates back to the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and became a district-level intangible cultural heritage item in April.

The whole worshiping ceremony starts at 7 am on the day, with drums and gongs, to pray for good weather, peace, and prosperity. [Photo/Yangcheng Evening News]

The parade begins at 8 am, with more than 220 performers offering a grand cultural feast for the audience. [Photo/Yangcheng Evening News]