The 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China wouldn't be complete without a parade highlighting one of its signature industries. On Monday, 20 fishing boats were part of a special parade, displaying Macao's major ships, as local fishery families express good wishes. 

It's the first time this parade has been held in 20 years.

On the eve of a big event, Zhou Niumei was selling shrimp in a Macao market. The next day, the longtime Macao resident rode her boat in a big parade. The 20 boats are some of the vessels commonly used here, about five types. The leading vessel is a shrimp trawler.

The boat, which takes visitors on explorations at the event, is also a shrimp trawler. It remains Macao's major fishing vessel.

"You can find long beams on both sides of the boat,  making it easy to distinguish from other boats. They can be opened wider to drag the net for fish and prawns. There are about 100 such ships in Macao," said Chen Mingjin, chairman of Macao Fishermen's Mutual Help Association.

Macao's Fishermen's Mutual Help Association is one of the main organizers of the event. The last time it held such a parade was in 1999 on the very day that Macao was returned to China by Portugal. Its chairman Chen Minjin was a fisherman for 48 years, having just retired six months ago. He said the fishery industry is shrinking in Macao, as younger generations are going to college and choosing to live elsewhere.

"Macao had about 600 fishing boats 20 years ago. Now there are fewer than 200, with much bigger capacity. But we're developing fishery tourism, inviting people to get on board a ship to better understand Macao's fishery culture," said Chen.

The 90-minute parade passed by some iconic buildings where people can watch from the shore.

Boarding the ships are local fishing families. In Chinese there is a proverb for wishing people well, which goes, "Yi Fan Feng Shun" or may you sail with favorable winds. The event expresses Macao fishermen's good wishes for the country and the city itself.