The Mackerel Fiesta takes place at the end of August and is described by Aberaeron Yacht Club as "a light-hearted funeral dedicated to the humble mackerel at the end of the fishing season".
During the event, a large papier mache mackerel is carried by bearers from the quayside through the town towards the club, accompanied by mourning "widows". The effigy receives a blessing to guarantee an abundant supply of mackerel the following season, before the day concludes with the burning of the mackerel on the beach at sunset.
PETA's Cabbage Fiesta proposal
Animal welfare group PETA has written to Lloyd Thomas, president of Aberaeron Yacht Club, suggesting the club "swap fish-focused festivities for an animal-friendly celebration of Welsh produce with the Aberaeron Cabbage Fiesta".
The organisation has also offered to supply a giant papier mache cabbage to replace the traditional mackerel effigy.
In its letter, PETA says: "Fish suffer immensely when they're pierced by hooks through their delicate faces and often experience what experts call 'the bends on steroids' when hauled from the depths. We know that fish feel pain, stress and fear."
The group adds: "Celebrating life-giving plant produce rather than fish slaughter would be more in line with the compassion and warmth Wales is known for. Plus, you'd be supporting local growers, like Blaencamel Organic Farm, famed for its vibrant cabbage and fennel, amid 50 sustainable acres of fruit and veggies."
"It would also be an investment in Aberaeron, because animal-free diets are not only optimal for health, but also curb climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use by as much as 75 per cent."
"Best of all, there's no 'slaw-ter' with cabbage! If you agree to focus your fiesta on leafy greens instead of felling beings, we'd be delighted to supply a mighty papier mache cabbage to replace your mackerel effigy."
The letter concludes: "We hope this inspires Aberaeron to turn over a new leaf and let mackerel swim free."
Councillor defends festival
Local county councillor Elizabeth Evans defended the event, saying: "The Aberaeron Mackerel Festival is a celebration of a fish which has been in our local waters for generations. It is a festival of gratitude and respect."
"Whilst many may have a different view, fishing has reduced dramatically in the bay, as has fishing more generally. I often say that as coastal communities, we have turned our back on the sea."
"We do not have a single fishing boat in Aberaeron now, that is a matter of regret - not celebration. Yet Cardigan Bay is not over-fished, and the local boat owners that fish these waters do so sustainably."
"Aberaeron also sits within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. Yet fishing is part of our heritage in Aberaeron, the growing of cabbages is not. Our river anglers also adhere to the catch and release government scheme to protect particular dwindling stocks."
"Whilst I respect the views expressed in the letter by PETA, it does not reflect our lived experience as a community, which is one of respect not entitlement. The huge industrial trawlers which fish the waters around the UK are quite a different matter altogether."
Aberaeron Yacht Club has been contacted for comment regarding the Cabbage Fiesta proposal.
