Nghinh Ong Nam Hai Festival: A Cultural and Spiritual Gem of Gia Thuan Fishermen

(DTO) On April 25 and 26 (the 9th and 10th days of the third lunar month), Gia Thuan authorities and residents solemnly celebrated the Nghinh Ong Nam Hai Festival at Lang 2 Quarter, the hub of the locality's largest fishing fleet. 

This traditional event, deeply imbued with cultural identity, drew a large crowd of locals and tourists alike.

The festival features two main components: Rituals and Festivities. The ritual part unfolded with the dignified Sac Than procession on the morning of the 9th. This elaborate ceremony, highlighted by spectacular performances and a grand palanquin parade, created a sacred yet bustling atmosphere that captivated onlookers.

In tandem, the festivities offered a vibrant array of cultural and sporting activities, including folk games, traditional music, Tuong Co (classical opera), and Cai Luong (reformed theatre), fostering community spirit and a joyful ambiance.

Notably, on the 10th day of the third lunar month, the main ritual of the Nghinh Ong Nam Hai Festival is conducted at sea. Dozens of vessels, brightly decorated with flags and flowers and carrying ceremonial offerings, ritual music bands, and lion dancers, move toward the estuary to perform the rite of "welcoming the Whale" (Nghinh Ca Ong) back to the Temple. This sacred moment epitomizes the fishermen's reverence and unwavering faith in their maritime patron City

The Nghinh Ong Nam Hai Festival is an important intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the belief in worshipping Ca Ong (Lord Whale)—the patron saint of coastal fishermen. This is not only an occasion for people to express gratitude toward nature and their predecessors in the fishing industry but also a prayer for smooth sailing and a bountiful harvest at sea.

The festival contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values while fostering local tourism and promoting the image of the Gia Thuan coastal region to friends near and far.

By BAO LOC - THIEN LY
Translated by X.QUANG