To celebrate the 1,057th anniversary of Chinese sea goddess Matsu, children dressed as mythological and historical figures were paraded around Tanshan village in Guangzhou's Panyu district on April 19.

Piaose is performed to celebrate the birth of Matsu, a Chinese sea goddess, at Panyu district's Tanshan village in Guangzhou on April 19. [Photo by Li Xuyang/Guangzhou Daily]

The activity, known as piaose, involves models (sometimes young children, sometimes decorated dolls), dressed up as characters from historical stories or fairy tales, and held aloft on a hidden pole.

Sea goddess Matsu, meaning "maternal mother", is worshipped by more than 100 million people across southeastern China – it is believed she provides protection to fishermen and seafarers.

Children role-play generals and military officers from ancient China during a performance tour to celebrate Chinese sea goddess Matsu. [Photo by Li Xuyang/Guangzhou Daily]

Piaose, which means "flying color", integrates elements of opera, magic and acrobatics.

Bright new costumes had been made for this year's celebration, as well as updated crops to support more children, said local folk artist Xu Guanqi.

The celebration also included lion and dragon dances. 

Children are held aloft to perform piaose on April 19. [Photo by Li Xuyang/Guangzhou Daily]