Vietnam's Coastal Communities Celebrate Traditional Fishermen's Festival for Bountiful Catches and Safety

The traditional "Fishermen's Festival for Bountiful Catches" (Lễ hội Cầu ngư của các vạn chài) was held from August 1st to 8th in Phan Thiet city, Lam Dong province, a coastal area in central Vietnam. This festival is deeply intertwined with the long-standing "Cá Ông (Whale) belief" of fishing communities, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists. Highlights of the festival included a solemn procession of "Lệnh Ông Sanh" from Hòn Lao to Vạn Thủy Tú, memorial ceremonies, and a lantern floating event on the Cà Ty River. Additionally, a variety of activities were organized, such as over 300 booths selling local specialties, traditional singing "Hội hô bài chòi," traditional theater "Hát bội," folk games, and street performances along the Cà Ty River. The "Cá Ông belief" serves as a spiritual cornerstone for fishermen along Vietnam's coast, representing gratitude towards the sea and prayers for national peace, stable weather, and abundant harvests. Notably, Vạn Thủy Tú preserves the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia, venerated as an object of worship. This festival provides an opportunity for fishermen to gather, encourage each other, and preserve the traditional fishing practices inherited from their ancestors. It also functions as a living historical record, affirming Vietnam's maritime sovereignty and the generations of experience in coexisting with the sea. Mr. Trần Nguyên Lộc, Chairman of the Phan Thiet City People's Committee, urged residents to protect, conserve, and pass on this traditional culture and the pride associated with the renowned festival to younger generations.