Mazu Festival, a major event held annually on Mazu's birthday, the 23rd day of the third lunar month, takes place on Meizhou Island in Fujian province. Meizhou Island is renowned as the birthplace of the revered sea goddess Mazu and the origin of Mazu culture.

At present, there are over 5,000 Mazu temples in more than 20 countries and regions worldwide, attracting nearly 200 million worshippers each year. Over a million visitors from around the world pay homage at the Mazu ancestral temple in Meizhou every year.

Mazu, born during the early Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), dedicated her life to helping those in need and perished while rescuing sailors during a storm. In her honor, a shrine was erected on Meizhou Island shortly after her passing, where she was worshipped as the protector of sailors, thus earning the title "Mazu".

The Mazu Festival ceremonies last about 45 minutes and feature various rituals, including drumming, cannon fire, processions, offerings, recitations, and ceremonial gestures.

This ancient tradition, deeply rooted in history and widely influential, has a significant impact along China's coastal regions, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, with Mazu's image resonating across generations.

The establishment of the Chinese Mazu Cultural Exchange Association in Meizhou's Mazu ancestral temple in 2004 has provided a vital platform for academic research, cultural exchange, and the preservation of Mazu culture, fostering understanding and unity among Mazu enthusiasts globally.

Over the centuries, Mazu culture has spread from China to over 20 countries on five continents. This enduring cultural heritage has become an integral part of Chinese tradition and stands as a testament to the richness of Chinese culture, embodying a shared legacy that transcends borders and unites people across the globe.