Phuoc Bien Festival - A beautiful religious tradition of fishermen.

(CTO) - In 2025, the Phuoc Bien Festival will be officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The spirit of "Accompanying each other at sea - supporting each other on shore" is nurtured through each festival season, with everyone joining hands to organize, contributing their efforts and resources, creating a festival full of camaraderie.

Báo Cần Thơ•02/03/2026

On the afternoon of March 2nd, Vinh Chau ward held the opening ceremony of the Phuoc Bien Festival (Chroi Rum Chek).

Delegates attend the opening ceremony of the Phuoc Bien Festival.

Mr. Dong Van Thanh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People's Council; Mr. Ly Rotha, City Party Committee member and Vice Chairman of the City People's Council; Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi, City Party Committee member and Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee; leaders of departments and agencies of Can Tho City; and leaders of Vinh Chau ward attended the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi emphasized that the Phuoc Bien Festival has been formed and existed for many generations, becoming an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the local people. In 2025, the Phuoc Bien Festival will be officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is not only an honor for the Khmer people, but also a testament to the enduring sacred traditional cultural values that have been cherished and preserved by generations through the ups and downs of time. Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi urged the local authorities to proactively preserve and develop the festival so that its positive values can be passed on to future generations.

The procession of the Buddha statue from Se Ray Cro Sang Pagoda to the ceremonial area is one of the important activities of the Phuoc Bien Festival.

The Phuoc Bien Festival is held annually on the 14th and 15th of the second lunar month. The festival's significance lies in praying for national peace and prosperity, a bountiful harvest, and favorable weather. The Phuoc Bien Festival consists of both ceremonial and festive parts. The ceremonial part includes a memorial service held amidst the sand dunes at the site of the centuries-old historical tower, commemorating the ancestors, giving thanks to the sea, and praying for the best for the villagers. This is followed by a procession of the Buddha statue from the Se Ray Cro Sang pagoda to the ceremonial area.

Perform the ritual of welcoming the Buddha statue at the ceremonial grounds.

The Phuoc Bien Festival is not only a religious activity but also a space for preserving the traditional cultural values of coastal residents, such as sea worship rituals, solemn processions; folk art performances, traditional opera, folk music, and traditional games and community activities. The festival is an opportunity for fishermen to meet, share fishing experiences, and support each other in production. The spirit of "Together at sea - mutually supportive on shore" is nurtured through each festival season, with everyone working together, contributing labor and resources, creating a festival full of camaraderie.

Text and photos: SONG LE

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/le-hoi-phuoc-bien-net-dep-tin-nguong-cua-ngu-dan-a199297.html