Ca Mau Crab tells the story "Forest scent

The "champion" Ca Mau crab weighs up to 1,820.3 grams (more than 1.82 kg), and its shell is nearly 20 cm wide.

It is not simply an affirmation of the position of the "king" of aquatic products, but also a proud commitment of the people of Ca Mau to a sustainable, green and prosperous future.

A symphony of culture and tourism in the far south

If someone asks about the most profound impression in the past few days in Ca Mau, the answer will certainly be the transformation of the festival space. Closing on the evening of November 22, the series of events of the 2nd Ca Mau Crab Festival has officially completed its mission in an excellent way. Not simply a trade promotion event, the festival has truly become an emotional cultural-tourism destination.

Former Politburo member, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and leaders of Ca Mau province visited the exhibition area "Setting Ca Mau crab record".

The telling figure was announced when about 120,000 domestic and international visitors came to Ca Mau (including satellite activities such as the event “Hello Ca Mau in Ho Chi Minh City) to visit, shop and experience. At the exhibition space alone, there were 12,000-14,000 visitors every day, creating an unprecedented bustling atmosphere.

These figures demonstrate that Ca Mau is no longer a remote land, but has become an attractive destination, where tourists can fully experience the generosity and hospitality of the people of the southernmost region.

Leaders of the Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee of Ca Mau province visited booths within the framework of the 2nd Ca Mau Crab Festival in 2025.

One of the interesting highlights and also the “main character” of the festival is the “Ca Mau Crab Record Setting” contest. Surpassing 9 other strong competitors, the title of “Crab King” in 2025 was awarded to an individual crab from Du Thai Binh Limited Liability Company (Nam Can Commune).

The title of "King of Crab" in 2025 was awarded to an individual crab from Du Thai Binh Limited Liability Company (Nam Can commune).

This “champion” made the public amazed with its weight of up to 1,820.3 grams (more than 1.82 kg), and the width of the shell of nearly 20 cm. This is not only a biological record, but also a testament to the richness of the Ca Mau mangrove ecosystem, where nature has favored to create the highest quality products.

Comrade Ho Trung Viet, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee (left cover) awarded the first prize in the Ca Mau crab record-setting contest to Du Thai Binh Limited Liability Company.

In addition, cultural and sports activities such as the 2025 Ca Mau Marathon attracting nearly 6,000 athletes, or the Southern Amateur Music Festival... have created a colorful picture, turning Ca Mau into a bustling, joyful and rich cultural space.

From "Forest scent - Sea taste" to real economic value

But the Ca Mau Crab Festival does not stop at the surface of the festival activities. Behind the jubilant atmosphere are strong trade flows. With a scale of more than 500 booths, the event fully reflects the crab industry value chain, from breeds, farming processes to processing and export.

Farmers in the countryside of Ca Mau harvest crabs raised naturally in shrimp ponds.

The exhibition space is designed as a story about the journey of Ca Mau crab: From ecological farming models under the forest canopy, unique OCOP products, to modern processing technologies. This is where businesses, farmers and investors meet, seek cooperation opportunities, and create long-term business agreements.

Comrade Pham Van Thieu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Head of the Steering Committee of Ca Mau Crab Festival spoke at the closing ceremony.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, comrade Pham Van Thieu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Head of the Steering Committee of the Ca Mau Crab Festival, affirmed: "We not only raise the brand of Ca Mau crab in the international market but also create a space for connection, long-term business cooperation agreements, and enhance the sustainable value of this potential industry."

The Ca Mau crab brand has now gone beyond the geographical boundaries of a province, becoming a "cultural ambassador", spreading the image of a "kind, hospitable, prosperous" Ca Mau across media platforms.

Leaders of the Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee of Ca Mau province visited the booth displaying Ca Mau crab products.

According to comrade Pham Van Thieu, the event is also a deep gratitude to the silent heroes who are farmers, fishermen, artisans and businesses who are working day and night to preserve the forest-sea ecosystem. At the closing ceremony, 16 outstanding groups and 75 individuals were honored, as a worthy recognition for their efforts to develop the crab industry in a sustainable direction.

View of the ocean

The success of the 2nd Ca Mau Crab Festival in 2025 is not only the destination, but also a stepping stone for greater aspirations. Ca Mau is facing a new opportunity to transform itself from a “lowland, downstream” locality into a dynamic marine economic center.

In the speech of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam at the opening night of the Ca Mau Crab Festival, a new way of thinking was suggested: Ca Mau needs to look further, not only as the “southernmost land” but also as the “southern gateway of the Fatherland towards the sea”. To realize this, according to the Deputy Minister, Ca Mau needs to focus on strategic pillars.

The forest area of Dat Mui Ca Mau looks out to Hon Khoai, where many key national projects are being implemented.

First of all, infrastructure development is considered the “wings” to fly far. National key projects such as the Ca Mau-Dat Mui expressway; Hon Khoai seaport, and renewable energy projects are being heavily invested in Ca Mau. These are the blood vessels that break the geographical isolation, helping Ca Mau connect strongly with the Mekong Delta region and internationally.

Next is to develop a green economy in a sustainable direction. Ca Mau crab is not only delicious, but also the product of a natural breeding process.

The province’s “shrimp-crab-forest” model has been internationally recognized as the right direction for a circular economy, harmonizing growth and environmental protection. Ca Mau is aiming for a net zero emission target by 2050 (Net-Zero), turning the advantages of mangrove forests into green economic value.

Eco-tourism experience in Ca Mau is gradually taking shape and developing to create a difference.

Along with that is enhancing the brand and deep processing. The upcoming orientation of Ca Mau is to build and complete the value chain of sea crab production according to international standards (GlobalGAP, VietGAP, organic).

The province also calls for strategic investors to participate in the deep processing and logistics sectors, aiming to bring Ca Mau crabs deeper into the global value chain. The goal is not only to sell whole crabs, but also to create high value-added products, making Ca Mau crabs a national brand, the pride of Vietnamese seafood.

Experience eco-tourism through the mangrove forest of Ca Mau Cape.

Finally, the difference in eco-tourism and experience in Ca Mau. Developing tourism associated with Ca Mau crab products is considered a breakthrough direction.

Tourists come to Ca Mau not only to sightsee, but also to experience tours of ecological crab farming models and enjoy typical cuisine. This strategy aims to turn the Ca Mau Crab Festival into a national festival, creating a difference, attractiveness and safety for tourists.

The 2nd Ca Mau Crab Festival in 2025 has ended, but the image of a "King Crab" weighing more than 1.8kg, or the bright smiles of the people of Dat Mui-Ca Mau still lingers. The event has ignited a new source of energy, a strong belief in the breakthrough of this land.

As affirmed by the provincial leaders, Ca Mau is striving to become “a place where nature and peace converge”. With innovative thinking, daring to think and act, and respecting the core values of Mother Nature, Ca Mau crab will not only be a delicious dish on the table, but will continue to tell an inspiring story about the land and people in the southernmost part of the country on their journey to the open sea.

HUU TUNG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cua-ca-mau-ke-chuyen-huong-rung-vi-bien-post925453.html