Fiery Four Sacred Animals boat race on Ly Son Island

On the morning of June 20th, the People's Committee of Ly Son Special Economic Zone - Quang Ngai province solemnly organized the 2026 traditional Four Sacred Animals boat racing festival. Eight boats bearing the symbols of the four sacred animals - Dragon,麒麟 (Kirin), Turtle, and Phoenix - with the participation of nearly 200 athletes, competed fiercely against each other.

The Four Sacred Animals Boat Race Festival, with a history of nearly 200 years, has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is not only a folk festival but also a vivid symbol of the spiritual life, beliefs, and aspirations of the people of Ly Son to venture out to sea. With a distance of over 6 km, the oarsmen skillfully maneuver their boats through the waves, demonstrating the courage and endurance of the seafaring people.

This year's traditional Four Sacred Animals boat race on Ly Son Island is part of the Quang Ngai Tourism Festival 2026, themed "Quang Ngai - A Symphony of Sea and Islands," continuing to promote sustainable tourism and spread the image of Quang Ngai as a province rich in cultural identity and marine and island potential. Preserving and promoting the value of the festival contributes to affirming the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands, while also becoming a unique cultural and tourism product with strong appeal to tourists from all over.

PV Thanh Niên captured some vivid images from this event:

The teams of boats gathered at the Ly Son Special Economic Zone racetrack to prepare for departure.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

The festive atmosphere became even more vibrant as cheers and shouts of encouragement echoed across the sea, creating a heroic and emotionally rich picture of the island's maritime culture.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

You may also like

Opening up tourism development opportunities from the Binh Hai purple onion growing region.VHO - Chairman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hoang Giang suggested developing tourism in conjunction with the Binh Hai purple onion growing area, alongside investing in coastal infrastructure to create new impetus for the local economy.

Experience the dreamlike beauty of Ly Son Island through the open sea swimming competition.Quang Ngai - This June, Ly Son beach is buzzing with the return of the open water swimming competition, where human strength blends with the sun and wind of the ocean.

International competitions establish the brand of high-performance sports.In the context of increasing integration and competition in modern sports, international tournaments are a platform for localities to affirm their position, image, and capacity for developing high-performance sports.

Representatives of the captains of the boats are required to draw lots for the pilot before entering the official race.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

Each powerful stroke of the oar seems to harmonize with the breath of the sea, reflecting the unwavering will and the courageous spirit of generations of Ly Son people who venture out to sea and cling to their livelihoods.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

Following the signal from the organizers, the Four Sacred Animals boat race officially began with the utmost effort from the racers, who are fishermen from the fishing villages.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

After a series of dramatic and intense races, the Long An Vinh team emerged victorious, winning first place. Second place went to the Phung An Vinh team, and third place to the Phung An Hai team.

You may also like

Ly Son Sacred Island

The volcanic rock arch in Ly Son Special Economic Zone has become a national monument.(Dan Tri Newspaper) - The To Vo Arch in the Ly Son Special Economic Zone (Quang Ngai province) was formed by volcanic eruptions. This rock arch has been recognized as a national monument.

A glorious sunset against the backdrop of the sacred national flag on Ly Son Island.Amidst the vast ocean, Ly Son Special Economic Zone (Quang Ngai) emerges like a captivating seascape. This land not only enchants visitors with its system of historical and cultural relics linked to Vietnam's maritime sovereignty but also captures breathtaking moments at sunset, bathed in the sacred colors of the national flag.

PHOTO: THE PHAN

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dua-thuyen-tu-linh-ruc-lua-บน-dao-ly-son-185260620164740432.htm