Unique features of traditional Cau Ngu (Whale Worshiping) Festival

This year’s festival takes place from March 4 to 6 (the 16^th to 18^th days of the first lunar month) and features a wide range of activities imbued with the cultural identity of coastal communities.

The ceremonial part includes traditional rituals with the aim of praying for peace, bumper hauls of fish and safe voyages.

Meanwhile, the festive part offers a variety of traditional folk activities, including basket-boat spinning, net-pulling and fish-carrying competitions; Tuong (classical opera) performances; and ‘bai choi’ folk singing.

At the same time, vibrant marine sports such as beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and surfing are also organized.

In addition, the festival features exhibition spaces themed “Hoang Sa and Truong Sa belong to Vietnam” along with booths showcasing OCOP products and local culinary specialties.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Khe Ward Le Van Cuong, emphasized that the ward’s Cau Ngu Festival has long been closely associated with the marine economy and the lives of local fishermen.

In recent years, the ward has consistently paid special attention to creating favorable conditions for fishermen to access loans and build new high-capacity fishing vessels. This not only helps them conduct more effective offshore fishing trips but also contributes to safeguarding the nation’s sacred maritime sovereignty.

He added that the ward’s Party committees and authorities have identified the preservation and promotion of the Cau Ngu Festival, along with the traditional spiritual beliefs of fishermen, as a key task, considering it an essential factor in maintaining the unique cultural identity of the locality.