Animal rights activists are calling on organizers of the annual mackerel festival in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, to replace the event’s traditional papier-mâché fish with a giant cabbage. The festival, held to mark the end of the fishing season, features a symbolic funeral procession in which a large, painted fish is carried to the local yacht club. The fish is then blessed before being burned at sunset on the beach.

The campaign group Peta has urged the festival to shift its focus from fish to plant-based produce, arguing that celebrating vegetables would better reflect compassion and respect for life. Representatives from the group suggested that a giant cabbage would be a more appropriate symbol, promoting awareness of life-giving plants rather than the death of marine animals.

However, some local officials have expressed reservations about such changes. Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans emphasized the importance of fishing to the town’s cultural identity, stating that “Fishing is part of our heritage in Aberaeron, the growing of cabbages is not.” She highlighted fishing’s longstanding role in the community and suggested that replacing the fish with a vegetable would not resonate with the town’s traditions.

The mackerel festival remains a popular event attracting residents and visitors who participate in the ceremonial farewell to the fishing season. While the activists’ proposal has sparked conversation about the festival’s symbolism, no official decision has been announced regarding any modifications to the event. Organizers and local authorities have yet to respond publicly to the suggestion of replacing the papier-mâché fish with a large cabbage.