Can Gio is bustling with Whale Festival, hundreds of fishermen go out to sea to pray for peace

(Dan Tri) - On the morning of October 7, in the Can Gio sea area (HCMC), hundreds of large and small boats lined up to head out to sea amid the bustling sound of drums. This is the most sacred ritual part of the Can Gio Whale Festival 2025.

On the morning of October 7, hundreds of fishermen and local people in Can Gio gathered to participate in the Whale Procession, one of the biggest traditional festivals in this coastal area. From the Ong Thuy Tuong Mausoleum, the procession departed to the wharf, beginning a solemn and sacred journey on the sea.

According to Dan Tri reporters, from early morning, the Can Gio sea area was bustling with preparations. Boats were lavishly decorated with colorful flags, paper flowers and the Whale symbol was placed solemnly at the bow of the boat, showing the fishermen's respect for the god of the sea.

At exactly 9 o'clock, the "Ong" boat carrying the elders and the ritual team leading the Nghinh boat group slowly headed out to sea in the middle of Can Gio sea, opening the Ong procession at sea.

At the Tam Giang Khau area, where the three rivers Thi Vai, Soai Rap and Long Tau converge, the fleet of boats stopped to perform an important ceremony. Amidst the resounding sound of drums and gongs, elders in traditional costumes read the funeral oration, released votive paper and offerings into the sea, praying for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, and a bountiful fishing season.

On each boat, fishermen respectfully display offerings with a pair of boiled ducks, sticky rice, votive paper money, etc. to thank the ocean and pray for peace on their voyages.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hong (49 years old, Can Gio commune), who has been attached to the sea since the age of 15, carefully prepared offerings, expressing deep gratitude to the sea god.

A joyful and bustling atmosphere enveloped the fishermen's boats as they participated in the Whale Festival. This was not only a festival for fishermen but also an opportunity for locals and tourists to join in the traditional festival atmosphere and enjoy meaningful moments.

When the shout "He is back" rang out, the group of boats turned back to shore amid cheers and the sound of drums, signaling the successful journey to welcome Him at sea.

On the shore, the palanquin carrying the God slowly moves among the forest of flags and the sound of drums. People stand on both sides of the road, clasping their hands in prayer, all joining the procession, expressing gratitude to the ocean and the desire for a peaceful and prosperous life.

The streets around the Mausoleum of the Water General were packed with people. Lion and dragon dance performances, stilt racing and many folk games attracted a large number of viewers, creating a vibrant and bustling festival atmosphere.

The parade of children dressed in costumes simulating sea creatures created a joyful and lively color on the streets of Can Gio, contributing to enriching the festival atmosphere.

The Can Gio Whale Festival, held annually on the 14th, 15th and 16th of the 8th lunar month since 1913, was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2013.

Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of Can Gio Commune People's Committee - Head of the festival organizing committee, shared: "This year's festival has many new features, especially the participation of the Phuoc Hai Commune (HCMC) 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".

This year's ceremony still maintained its traditional solemnity with rituals such as visiting the Rung Sac Martyrs Cemetery, offering incense at the Rung Sac - Can Gio Martyrs' Temple and the Whale Worship Ceremony. The festival was held enthusiastically with more than 40 diverse activities, including photo exhibitions, fishing gear displays, performances of traditional music, folk games, and many sports tournaments and music programs to serve the people and tourists.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/can-gio-ron-rang-le-hoi-nghinh-ong-hang-tram-ngu-dan-ra-khoi-cau-binh-an-20251007155618573.htm