HCM City (VNA) – The Nghinh
Ong (Whale Worship) festival, an annual traditional event of local fishermen, is
underway in Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio district.
First held in the locality in 1913, it was recognised
as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. It is a cultural identity of
coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through
generations, aiming to pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace.
This year, the festival lasts from September
12 to 14 and consists of rituals and festive activities that feature musical
performances, sports, and folk games, among others.
Ho Hong Thanh Tinh, Secretary of the
district’s youth union, said nearly 2,000 of its members are working to support
tourists at the event.
Nguyen Van Nam, a local resident, said Can
Gio people consider Nghinh Ong festival the second biggest event of the year.
On the occasion, local authorities will also
host a Mid-Autumn Festival for children, featuring a food space, exhibition, as
well as lantern making and parade activities./.
