Ho Chi Minh City: Unique parade of sea creatures at festival

On the morning of October 7, the 2025 Vung Tau Ong Nghinh Festival officially opened with many diverse and rich activities at Quang Trung Park, Vung Tau Ward ( Ho Chi Minh City).

The main ceremony takes place at Thang Tam Communal House, focusing on traditional rituals such as the Whale Welcome Ceremony on the sea, the Whale Welcome palanquin procession, the worship ceremony, the ceremony to invite the God's decree, and the Great Assembly Ceremony.

The Whale Welcome Ceremony on the sea and the street procession along the route Quang Trung-Truong Cong Dinh-Hoang Hoa Tham to Thang Tam Temple were attended and responded by many locals and tourists.

The parade participants transformed into sea creatures (shrimp, crab, fish, squid...) simulating a boat, a whale and a giant kite.

Wherever the procession went, the sound of gongs, five-tone music and lion and dragon dances paved the way, creating a bustling atmosphere that lasted for a long time.

Along with spiritual rituals are rich cultural, sports and entertainment activities including art, sports, community activities, etc., attracting a large number of people to participate.

Whale-welcoming procession at sea. (Photo: VNA)

The Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau Festival is an event to honor the National Intangible Cultural Heritage associated with the worship of Whale (Nam Hai Ngoc Lan Ton Than) of coastal fishermen, praying for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, abundant fishing and shrimp catch, and a prosperous life.

This is also an event to promote the image of "Vung Tau - a green, civilized, friendly and international-class coastal tourist city."

Vung Tau Ward Party Secretary Nguyen Tan Ban said this year's festival takes place in the context that Vung Tau Ward is identified as a key sea tourism destination, with the potential to become a high-class festival event tourism center.

This year's festival not only inherits traditional values but is also organized with a spirit of innovation, creativity, science and professionalism, aiming to become an annual festival of regional stature.

According to Mr. Le Quang Duong, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Dinh Thang Tam Historical Relic Site (Vung Tau Ward), the festival is a unique folk cultural activity, helping people and tourists understand and remember their roots, contributing to creating a unique local cultural tourism product.

The Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Vung Tau Festival 2025 takes place until October 12./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-doc-dao-doan-dieu-hanh-hoa-than-thanh-sinh-vat-bien-tai-le-hoi-post1068640.vnp