Festival identity of ethnic groups - Valuable resources for tourism in Ca Mau

Through the process of creation, inheritance and development, the culture of ethnic minorities in Ca Mau is increasingly diverse and has many unique values. This is demonstrated through culinary culture, costumes, folk art, architecture and especially traditional festivals. Festivals not only show the richness of the spiritual life of the people but are also valuable resources for tourism development.

• Land of festivals and cultural heritage
• Unique features of the Thien Hau worship belief in Ca Mau
• Highlights of the Ok Om Bok Festival of the Khmer people

Festivals of ethnic minorities in Ca Mau last almost all year round, not only contributing to creating a brilliant cultural identity but also having great potential for tourism exploitation. Each festival has its own characteristics, with many unique rituals, but in general, they all express the good wishes of the people for their family and homeland.

The ceremony has the folk colors of Ky Yen festival.

A typical example is the Ky Yen festival of the Chinese community , which takes place from the first lunar month with the meaning of praying for national peace and prosperity, and for every family to be warm and happy. During the 3-day festival, Ky Yen attracts a large number of locals and tourists to attend ceremonies such as the procession of the opera founder, the ceremony to invite the gods, the prayer ceremony to pray for peace, the ceremony to worship ancestors and descendants... Besides the solemn ceremony, the communal houses and temples also organize a festival with many cultural activities and folk games to create a joyful and attractive atmosphere to attract tourists.

Many people participate in folk games in Ky Yen festival.

When it comes to Khmer culture, it means colorful festivals. Typical ones include Chol Chnam Thmay, Kathina, and Ok Om Bok. The Ok Om Bok festival is loved by many domestic and foreign tourists because it is associated with the Ngo boat race - a unique cultural feature of the Khmer people in the South. On this occasion, Khmer pagodas also organize lantern processions, floating flower lanterns, singing and dancing performances, pounding flat rice, etc., creating a lively festival atmosphere imbued with identity.

Ngo boat racing in the Ok Om Bok festival of the Khmer people needs to promote its value to develop tourism.

Water lantern releasing ceremony in Ok Om Bok festival.

With such unique values, ethnic minority festivals need to be invested in properly to become special tourism products, bringing visitors new experiences when coming to Ca Mau.

Huu Tho

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ban-sac-le-hoi-cac-dan-toc-tai-nguyen-giau-gia-tri-cho-du-lich-ca-mau-a123749.html