South China Sea fishing season in Yangjiang: passing down stories of people and the sea

On the shores of the South China Sea, the annual fishing season in Yangjiang has arrived as scheduled. On August 16th, the city will once again celebrate its grand "opening ceremony of the fishing season."

The South China Sea (Yangjiang) Fishing Festival carries the fishermen's hopes for a bountiful harvest. Once the order to set sail is given, the slumbering fishing port springs to life as thousands of boats race out to sea with horns blaring. With deep respect and anticipation for the ocean, fishermen head toward vast fishing grounds to begin a new season of work. This moment marks not only the start of their fishing journeys but also an important occasion for preserving fishing culture, as ancient traditions find fresh vitality in the tides of modern life.

During the festival, freshly caught seafood from the ocean is transformed into mouthwatering delicacies by the skilled hands of fisherfolk. These signature dishes not only satisfy the palate but have also become an indispensable cultural symbol of the festival.

A performance showcasing the traditional wedding customs of the Tanka fishing community adds a distinctive emotional touch to the festival. From welcoming the bride and singing in antiphonal style, to seeing the bride off and making three bows, every step is filled with joy and romance.

For centuries, fishermen in Yangjiang have lived in harmony with the sea, making a living from fishing and calling the ocean their home. Through wind and waves, they have written stories of courage and wisdom. The Fishing Festival is both a celebration of traditional fishing culture and a tribute to the spirit of the Maritime Silk Road.

南海（阳江）开渔季：人与大海故事的传承

在南海之滨的阳江一年一度的开渔季如期而至。8月16日，阳江即将迎来又一场盛大的“开渔礼”。

阳江开渔节承载着渔民们对丰收的祈愿。当开渔令下达，沉睡的渔港瞬间苏醒，千舟竞发，汽笛长鸣。渔民们带着对大海的敬畏与期待，驶向浩瀚渔场，开启新一季的耕耘。这不仅是他们出海捕鱼的起点，更是渔家文化传承的重要时刻，古老的传统在现代的浪潮中绽放新的光彩。

开渔节期间，刚从海里捕捞上来的生猛海鲜，经过渔家巧妇的妙手烹饪，化作一道道令人垂涎欲滴的美味。这些特色美食不仅满足了人们的口腹之欲，更成了阳江开渔节不可或缺的文化符号。

疍家渔民婚俗表演则为开渔节注入了独特的情感元素。从迎亲到对歌，再到送亲和拜堂，每一个环节都充满了喜庆与浪漫。

千百年来，阳江渔民与大海相依共生，以渔为业，以海为家，在风浪中书写着勇敢与智慧的故事。开渔节既是对传统渔业文化的传承，也是对海上丝绸之路精神的致敬。

文｜记者 戴灵敏

译｜曾敏

英文审校｜肖凯欣