Can Gio sea is bustling with fishing boats welcoming the Whale to sea

On October 7, in the Can Gio sea area, Ho Chi Minh City, dozens of large and small boats lined up to head out to sea amid the bustling sound of drums. This is the most important and sacred ritual of the Can Gio Whale Festival 2025 - a traditional festival that has been associated for hundreds of years with the spiritual life of fishermen in the Southern sea.

From the Mausoleum of the Water General, the procession departed to the wharf, beginning the solemn and sacred journey on the sea.

Accordingly, a large number of fishermen and local people gathered at Lang Ong Thuy Tuong, starting the procession to the wharf, starting the journey to welcome the Whale at sea. The bustling atmosphere spread from early morning, when each boat was brightly decorated with colorful flags, paper flowers and the Whale symbol placed solemnly at the bow of the boat, showing the fishermen's respect for the god of the sea.

The boats are brightly decorated with colorful flags, paper flowers and whale symbols, showing the fishermen's respect for the god of the sea.

Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of Can Gio Commune People's Committee, Head of the festival organizing committee, said: "This year's festival has many new features, especially the participation of Phuoc Hai commune's fishing troupe, creating an impressive performance and demonstrating the solidarity of fishermen. The activities within the framework of the festival contribute to promoting intangible cultural values, honoring those who have contributed to protecting the sea, while educating the young generation about the love of the sea and islands and developing Can Gio sea tourism."

At the Tam Giang Khau area, where the three rivers Thi Vai, Soai Rap and Long Tau converge, the boat fleet stopped to perform an important ceremony.

According to Ms. Diem Phuong, this year's ceremony still maintains the traditional solemnity with important rituals such as visiting the Rung Sac Martyrs Cemetery, offering incense at the Rung Sac - Can Gio Martyrs' Temple and the Whale worshiping ceremony. These are meaningful activities, associated with the history of fighting, preserving and protecting the sacred sea and islands of the Fatherland.

Paragliding performances at the festival created a vibrant atmosphere at Can Gio beach.

Along with the ceremony, the festival was held with more than 40 diverse activities, ranging from cultural to sports and entertainment. Highlights included photo exhibitions, displays of traditional fishing gear, performances of traditional folk music, opera, puppetry, and many folk games associated with the fishermen's lives. In addition, many sports tournaments and special music programs were also held, serving a large number of people and tourists from near and far.

The boat set sail.

According to the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Whale Festival 2025 still retains the sacredness and solemnity of folk beliefs, while bringing a fresh, modern breath to the festival. This is not only an opportunity for the fishing community to express their gratitude to the sea and pray for a safe fishing season, but also an opportunity to promote the potential of Ho Chi Minh City's sea tourism to domestic and foreign friends.

Dozens of large and small boats set sail, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere when participating in the Whale Festival.

On Can Gio beach, colorful kites also soar in the sky.

Kites shaped like many sea creatures look quite eye-catching to viewers.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/bien-can-gio-soi-dong-voi-doan-thuyen-ngu-dan-ruoc-nghinh-ong-ra-khoi-20251007214234399.htm