a ceremonial and festival ritual combined with advertisement for its industry

I don't know anything similar in other countries, but here in Japan, First Auction of Year (for Farming and Fishing industries) is done as a ceremonial and festival ritual combined with advertisement for its industry. Once a year, each industry (and often at each local site), this event occurs involving: Prayer offering by a Shinto Priest for Thanks Giving and safety and prosperity of the people in the industry (fishermen, farmers, traders) and locals.(http://www.takamatsuseika.co.jp/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/P1020847.jpg) High price at the Auction generates a festive mood for the industry to kick start its related businesses at the beginning of the year. High price at the Auction makes news at large, helping the industry as a whole as well as those individuals or companies who offered the best product and offer. Money offered at the Auction is considered Oshugi (お祝儀), or "Donation to Celebrate the industry". It's not buying an expensive fish or fruit or tea.