The Nghinh Ong (Whale Worship) festival is scheduled to take place in Can Thanh, Can Gio district in Ho Chi Minh City on September 23 -25.

Scene at a ritual at sea of the Nghinh Ong (Whale Worship) festival

The opening ceremony will be hosted at Can Thanh Town park, featuring musical performances, including hat boi (classical drama).

The festival, an annual traditional festival of local fishermen, was recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 and consists of rituals and festive activities. 

The ritual part will include a pilgrimage to Sac Forest War Martyrs Cemetery to remember soldiers who died to protect the country, a rite to pay tribute to founders of the land and a ceremony for local fishermen to celebrate a bumper catch.

The festive part features a photo exhibition on local revolutionary tradition and socio-economic development, a market and food fair, a mid-autumn festival night and folk games.

Nghing Ong or Cau Ngu festival is a cultural identity of south central coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through generations. It aims to pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace for the nation.

According to local lodging service providers, most of their room have been booked for the festival.-VNA