In 2013, this annual event featuring a variety of festive activities, competitions, shows, performances and rituals, was recognized as the National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Primarily it was a festival of fishermen who prayed for good catch of fish and safe sea voyages. Similar festivals are typicl to central southern coastal areas and while each district has their own distinctive traditions, the basic thread is the same. Yet now it is quite common to add to the marine theme some revolution related content. Thus the program of the festival will feature not only celebrations of huge catch of fish or paying tribute to founders of the land, but a pilgrimage to Sac Forest War Martyrs Cemetery where soldiers who died protecting the country are buried.
There will be a lot of folk games and mid-autumn festival activities as well as colouful performances of the classic drama, hat boi.
Can Gio is located 60 km south east of the HCMC downtown area and is easily reached via a taxi or bus ride.
Whale Worship Festival Opens in Vietnam
News in AsiaThe Whale Worship Festival, Nghinh Ong, will be held from September, 23 till September, 25 in Can Gio, a suburban coastal district of Ho Chi Minh.