Ngo Boat Racing Festival "Spreading identity, connecting the community"

The Ngo boat racing festival on Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal (Xuan Hoa ward) is a familiar cultural and sporting event for the people of Ho Chi Minh City. What remains after each organization is not only the sport, but also the traditional cultural identity of ethnic groups that is spread and promoted right in the bustling urban area.

Following the success of the previous two organizations, through the proposal of the Department of Culture and Sports , the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has issued a document to officially name this cultural and sports activity "Ngo Boat Racing Festival for Xuan Hoa Open Cup 2025" with the theme "Spreading identity, connecting the community".

New mark of the city's river festival

Also from this year, this activity will be officially honored to be included in the series of activities of the annual Ho Chi Minh City River Festival.

This is considered an important step to continue spreading traditional cultural values ​​from this sport. According to the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, the values ​​that this festival has been implementing and aiming for are completely consistent with the strategic significance of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival.

The festival always attracts a lot of fans because of its interesting and unique nature.

In particular, the factors of harmonious combination between heritage, tourism and economic development stand out. The festivals all aim to honor and promote the unique lifestyle, heritage and river culture of Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern region.

The Ngo boat racing festival is contributing, along with many other water events, to turning the riverside urban identity of Ho Chi Minh City into an attractive new tourism product, and at the same time becoming a leading cultural and commercial convergence point in the region, contributing to stimulating tourism, especially waterway tourism.

Each team coming to the festival not only shows solidarity but also brings local cultural identities to Ho Chi Minh City.

The Ho Chi Minh City River Festival in general and the "Ngo Boat Racing Festival for the Xuan Hoa Open Cup 2025" in particular, contribute to enhancing the image of Ho Chi Minh City as a leading cultural-festival tourism destination in the region, demonstrating a sustainable vision and professionalism in tourism development.

Enhancing heritage, affirming identity in the heart of the "super city"

According to the People's Committee of Xuan Hoa Ward, the Ngo boat racing festival is one of the activities to promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people in the South. At the same time, this competition is considered a typical cultural and sports activity in the river cultural space in the heart of the city, especially in the bustling urban center of the city.

To win, each team must not only have high determination but also have tactics, strength and team spirit.

This year's race will take place on November 30 on Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal, from Chantarangsay pagoda to Cong Ly bridge (in Xuan Hoa ward and Nhieu Loc ward).

Mr. Nguyen Hung Hau, Chairman of the People's Committee of Xuan Hoa Ward, said: "This year's festival is not only a cultural and sports event but also a strong bridge, affirming the diversity and solidarity of ethnic groups living and working in Ho Chi Minh City.

From 2025, the Ngo boat racing festival will become one of the official activities of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival.

In particular, the organization of the contest on Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal, a canal that has miraculously revived after a long period of severe pollution, further highlights the message of "Community Connection" of the organizing units.

Building on the results from the previous two seasons, this year's competition promises to be exciting, attracting a large number of fans to cheer on the 18 registered teams.

This year’s festival attracts 18 Ngo boat teams from provinces in the Mekong Delta with a tradition of Ngo boat racing. The tournament will apply an electronic timing system and use flycam equipment to monitor and record the race track, ensuring accuracy and enhancing the experience for spectators.

The festival was held on the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal, which was once seriously polluted.

Joining the competition atmosphere are Khmer cultural and culinary spaces: For the first time, the festival organized a Southern Khmer culinary area in the Chantarangsay Pagoda area, introducing typical dishes such as vermicelli soup, tube cakes, and palm sweet soup. In addition, there are traditional art performances such as Apsara dance and Robam drama.

In addition, Xuan Hoa ward will coordinate with travel companies to organize boat tours of Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal during the Festival, allowing visitors to admire the race from a unique perspective.

According to Nhan Dan

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/le-hoi-dua-ghe-ngo-lan-toa-ban-sac-gan-ket-cong-dong--a468054.html