Matsu culture week, part of the 6th Straits Forum, began on Thursday morning in Putian city, Fujian province, 13,000 believers across the Straits attending.

People pay tribute to Matsu, goddess of the sea in Chinese fairy tales, on Meizhou Island, Putian city, on June 12. [Photo/fj.people.cn]

Matsu is the goddess of the sea in Chinese fairy tales.

The ceremony, sponsored by the Putian government, had five more new features than previous editions, according to authorities.

As the major belief system in Taiwan, the Matsu event attracted about 20,000 believers across the Straits praying together.

Setting a historical record. 13,000 believers, including 10,660 from Taiwan, came to the site, representing the largest non-governmental faith exchange ever on the mainland.

Both Taiwan believers and participants helped spread the message all over the island.

To facilitate youth exchanges and preserve traditions, a Matsu culture creativity festival was held, exhibiting 40 outstanding works about Matsu culture in Meizhou.

Many believers were grassroots representatives from Taiwan farmers associations, fisherman's associations and other such organizations. They communicated positively to further cooperate in such fields as agriculture.