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（陽江）開漁季：人與大海故事的傳承
在南海之濱的陽江一年一度的開漁季如期而至。8月16日，陽江即將迎來又一場盛大的「開漁禮」。
陽江開漁節承載著漁民們對豐收的祈願。當開漁令下達，沉睡的漁港瞬間蘇醒，千舟競發，汽笛長鳴。漁民們帶著對大海的敬畏與期待，駛向浩瀚漁場，開啟新一季的耕耘。這不僅是他們出海捕魚的起點，更是漁家文化傳承的重要時刻，古老的傳統在現代的浪潮中綻放新的光彩。
開漁節期間，剛從海里捕撈上來的生猛海鮮，經過漁家巧婦的妙手烹飪，化作一道道令人垂涎欲滴的美味。這些特色美食不僅滿足了人們的口腹之慾，更成了陽江開漁節不可或缺的文化符號。
疍家漁民婚俗表演則為開漁節注入了獨特的情感元素。從迎親到對歌，再到送親和拜堂，每一個環節都充滿了喜慶與浪漫。
千百年來，陽江漁民與大海相依共生，以漁為業，以海為家，在風浪中書寫著勇敢與智慧的故事。開漁節既是對傳統漁業文化的傳承，也是對海上絲綢之路精神的致敬。
文｜記者 戴靈敏
譯｜曾敏
英文審校｜肖凱欣
