Vung Tau fishermen enthusiastically open the Whale Festival, praying for a peaceful sea season.

Not only a religious ritual of coastal fishermen, the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam 2025 festival also contributes to promoting the image of a dynamic and friendly Vung Tau, aiming towards becoming a regional festival tourism center.

On the morning of October 7, at Bai Truoc Park, the People's Committee of Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City held the opening ceremony of the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau 2025 festival - a national intangible cultural heritage, attracting thousands of people and tourists to attend.

Bustling atmosphere at Bai Truoc Park on the opening day of Nghinh Ong Thang Tam 2025 festival. Photo: QH

The festival originates from the worship of Whale, a long-standing custom of fishermen in coastal areas. According to the concept, Whale (also known as whale) is a sacred god, a savior, a spiritual support when going to sea, especially when encountering big waves, strong winds or dangers in the middle of the sea.

For fishermen, the Whale Festival is an occasion to express the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source", praying for favorable weather, safe sailing, and a successful catch, so that life will become increasingly prosperous and happy.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Ban, Secretary of Vung Tau Ward Party Committee, spoke at the opening ceremony. Photo: QH

Mr. Nguyen Tan Ban, Secretary of the Vung Tau Ward Party Committee, said that the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau festival is not only an occasion for the fishing community to remember and show gratitude to the Whale - the guardian god of the ocean, but also a vivid demonstration of the vitality of folk culture, the spirit of solidarity, loyalty and the aspiration to go offshore of the people of Vung Tau through many generations.

This year, the festival takes place in a special context when Vung Tau ward is identified as a key coastal tourism ward of Ho Chi Minh City, a place with full potential to become a regional cultural and festival tourism center. The Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Festival 2025 not only inherits traditional values, but is also organized with a spirit of innovation, creativity, and professionalism, aiming to become a unique annual event of the coastal city.

The series of activities within the framework of this year's festival includes a ceremony with traditional rituals and a vibrant festival with many cultural, sports , culinary and artistic programs.

On February 14, 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism included the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau Festival in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. The festival has been preserved by the fishing community and local people for over 100 years, with many rituals imbued with the cultural characteristics of the Southern sea.

Some pictures at the festival this morning:

Leaders of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City and the People's Committee of Vung Tau Ward performed the opening ceremony of the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau Festival 2025. Photo: QH

The procession set off amid the sound of drums, gongs and colorful flags. Photo: QH

The whale statue was taken to Thang Tam Temple to perform the main ceremony. Fishermen placed their faith and prayed for peace and a bountiful fishing season. Photo: QH

Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/ngu-dan-vung-tau-tung-bung-khai-hoi-nghinh-ong-cau-mua-bien-binh-an-1019717.html