100 years of formation and development of Song Doc Whale Festival

It can be said that the 100-year milestone of the formation and development of the Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival is one of the most important cultural and religious events of Ca Mau fishermen. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival not only shows respect for the Whale - the guardian deity of fishermen, but also deeply reflects the spiritual life and culture of the local sea and islands.

Over the generations, in the vast ocean, the belief in worshipping Whales has become a solid spiritual support for fishermen. According to legend, whenever there is a storm or an accident at sea, Whales appear, supporting boats and rescuing people in distress. The Nam Hai Whale Temple in Song Doc is a sacred place, associated with mysterious stories about the protection of Whales for mankind.

The Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival has existed for 100 years in the coastal area of Ca Mau.

The Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival is held annually on the 14th-16th of the second lunar month, with solemn rituals bearing the mark of folk beliefs. The opening ceremony is the sacred water procession, where hundreds of boats line up to go out to sea to ask for orders and fetch water, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity and respect for the Whale. Next is the Nghinh Ong ceremony, reenacting the journey to bring his "jade relic" back to the mausoleum for people to worship. The worship rituals at Nam Hai Ong Lang attract a large number of local fishermen to participate with the hope of a favorable fishing season, full holds of shrimp and fish, and peace for their sea voyages.

Hundreds of boats set sail to participate in the Song Doc Whale Festival

Not only does it have spiritual significance, the festival is also an opportunity for the fishing community to express their gratitude to their ancestors - those who pioneered, founded villages and passed on the seafaring profession to the next generation. The combination of folk beliefs and working life has helped the Nghinh Ong festival to survive for hundreds of years, becoming an indispensable part of the cultural life of the coastal people of Ca Mau.

After a century, the Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival has become a symbol of the southern coastal culture and a source of pride for the people of Ca Mau. Preserving and promoting the value of the festival not only contributes to preserving cultural identity but also promotes spiritual tourism , attracting visitors to the southernmost land of the country.

The dignitaries in "Van Lang" perform the sacrificial ceremony when the ship sets sail.

In 2025, in Song Doc town, the 100th anniversary celebration will take place with many large-scale activities to honor this heritage, including sports festivals, exhibitions and unique cultural and artistic programs. This is an opportunity for people, authorities and researchers to look back on the development of the festival, affirming the role of the Nghinh Ong Festival in the material and spiritual life of Song Doc people in particular and Ca Mau province in general.

Along with the socio-economic development of the locality, the Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival will continue to be a solid spiritual support for fishermen in their journey to reach the sea, preserve sovereignty and develop the marine economy. The existence and development of the festival is a clear demonstration of the community strength, the connection with nature and the belief in the sacred patron saint of the residents of Ca Mau coastal area.

Source: https://sovhttdl.camau.gov.vn/van-hoa/dau-an-100-nam-hinh-thanh-va-phat-trien-le-hoi-nghinh-ong-song-doc-274278