Fishing Festival in Diem Pho village. Photo: Archival.
Coastal regions that evoke fond memories
I'm fascinated by coastal areas – places where hardworking fishermen cling to the sea, venturing out to sea. I've taken days to slow down, to better understand life on the coast, the people who live year-round amidst the waves and wind. On nights spent in the villages, from midnight onwards, the sounds of the sea and the rhythm of labor echo, both near and far, interwoven with the lapping waves. The distant lights, dim and hazy, resemble flowers sleeping in the sea mist... Many coastal villages are breathtakingly beautiful, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Names like Sam Son, Hai Tien, Nghi Son, Hai Hoa... are so beautiful they stir the heart.
At the beginning of the new year, visitors to coastal villages can easily experience the unique culture in a festive atmosphere. Many large-scale festivals are organized, attracting a large number of locals and tourists. In April, marking the start of the tourist season, modern cultural festivals are held one after another, becoming a unique and novel cultural feature.
When mentioning the beaches of Thanh Hoa province, one must mention Sam Son – where the sky, land, rivers, and sea blend to create a dreamy beauty; where cultural and historical values endure, harboring many stories steeped in legend; where traditional and modern festivals take place vibrantly, creating a dazzling atmosphere. It's no coincidence that Sam Son is known as a "summer paradise." Here, the beach slopes gently, with fine white sand, bordered by the verdant Truong Le mountain range...
Notably, over the years, the people have placed great importance on religious beliefs. Therefore, in coastal villages, it seems that no place lacks the presence of temples, pagodas, shrines, and sanctuaries. The Diem Pho temple complex, now located in Van Loc commune, is a particularly special spiritual site, featuring a complex of temples, pagodas, shrines, and sanctuaries all within one structure. This complex boasts diverse cultural and religious aspects, including: the Temple of the Four Holy Mothers, the Temple of the Holy Mother, Lien Hoa Pagoda, the Temple of the Water God - Ne Son, and the Temple of the Whale God... During holidays and festivals, people from the surrounding area come here to pray for calm seas, favorable weather, and abundant catches of shrimp and fish.
In spring, many people attend the Fishing Festival in Diem Pho. The core value of the festival is to honor historical roots, commemorating the merits of the gods and ancestors who contributed to the development of the land, the establishment of the village, the trades, and the construction of Diem Pho village. In addition, it expresses wishes for peace and happiness, praying for calm seas, peaceful waves, and abundant catches of shrimp and fish. Today, the festival has become a cultural focal point not only for the people of Diem Pho but also for tourists from all over.
Simple lifestyle
The former Quang Xuong district boasts many beautiful beaches that allow visitors to experience a slower pace of life. I've visited many coastal areas, but Eo Gió Bãi Ngang (Quang Binh commune) is one of the most captivating. Every step I take here feels like entering a completely different world . The gentle sound of the waves brings a sense of relaxation and peace. The beach here has long stretches of fine white sand, and the natural scenery remains largely untouched. The tourism value here comes from the local culture, the atmosphere, and the experiences of a fishing village. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, visit the fish market, participate in beach games, and take photos...
Life in a seaside village. Photo: Nguyen Van Hoc
Waking up in the morning in the coastal area of Quang Binh commune, you can watch the sunrise and take a walk on the beach to enjoy the early morning sun. Around 7 to 8 am is when fishing boats return to shore, and tourists can enjoy the experience of buying fresh seafood right at the dock. The boats return to the dock carrying the fruits of a night, or sometimes many days, at sea. The sounds of people calling out to each other, laughter, and the waves create a lively atmosphere. The seafood is brought ashore, fresh and glistening. Traders are waiting to buy the newly arrived catches and distribute them far and wide, contributing to delicious meals for families. The atmosphere at the fish market is both bustling and vibrant. This place is not only for trade but also a familiar place of daily life, a place closely connected to the livelihoods of the fishermen day after day.
Even after the buying and selling is complete, the fishermen's work is far from over. The nets are untangled, washed clean, and then dried along the sandy beach. At midday, when the sun is high, the beach becomes calmer. The boats rest after their fishing trips, like flowers on the golden sand. Life in the fishing village seems to slow down. In the seaside houses, simple lunches are served, usually dishes made with freshly caught seafood, full of the taste of the sea. As evening falls, the villagers quickly prepare their fishing gear, getting ready for the next trip. The rhythm of life is regular but not monotonous; they understand the sea and live in harmony with its vastness.
Through several conversations with local fisherman Vien Van Thuan, I understood that the people of this coastal village believe that each fishing trip, the "opening of the sea" in January, can determine whether the entire year will be bountiful or poor. Therefore, from the very first days of spring, many families prepare ceremonies to open the sea, offering prayers for the boats... conveying their wishes for "smooth sailing" and "calm seas."
Nguyen Van Hoc
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/mot-ngay-o-lang-bien-277175.htm
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