TRENGGALEK – The Larung Sembonyo tradition returned to Prigi Beach in Watulimo, Trenggalek, on Thursday (April 23), as hundreds of fishermen and local residents joined the annual sea thanksgiving ceremony.

The traditional ritual, known as a sea offering ceremony, takes place every year during the Javanese month of Selo. Local communities hold the event to express gratitude for marine harvests and pray for safety while fishermen work at sea.

“Larung Sembonyo at Prigi Beach, Watulimo, is an annual sea thanksgiving tradition held by the local community,” said Wanto, one of the event organizers.

The celebration lasted for three days, with the main event taking place on the final day. The ceremony began with a procession carrying tumpeng from the Watulimo district office to the Prigi Beach area.

The highlight of the event was the floating of the buceng agung, a giant cone-shaped offering filled with crops and a buffalo head. Organizers carried it from the fish auction port at Prigi Harbor and transported it by motorboat into the open sea.

Hundreds of fishing boats followed the main vessel during the procession. Many fishermen decorated their boats with colorful flags, while large crowds gathered along the coast to watch the sacred ritual.

Wanto said the tradition has continued consistently for the past three years. However, this year brought different challenges because local fishermen have struggled with low fish catches.

“During the last three years, we have continued this tradition. This year, the complaint is that there are still not enough fish. We hope Larung Sembonyo brings blessings,” he said.

He added that the ceremony serves not only as gratitude but also as a prayer for better catches in the future. For coastal communities in Prigi, the tradition remains an important symbol of local wisdom, unity, and hope.

Beyond its cultural value, Larung Sembonyo also strengthens solidarity among fishermen and keeps coastal heritage alive for future generations.