A major festival of the Khmer people.

Every year, around the full moon of the tenth lunar month, the Go Quao commune in An Giang province celebrates the Khmer ethnic group's cultural, sports , and tourism festival, coinciding with the Ok Om Bok festival (moon worship festival). This is one of the typical and characteristic events that the province maintains to honor and introduce the cultural values of the Khmer people; promoting the image of An Giang's land and people as gentle, hospitable, and full of national identity. This year, the festival took place from November 4th to 6th, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.

The festival program consists of a ceremonial part and a festive part. The ceremonial part is organized solemnly, reflecting the rich folk beliefs of the Khmer people, with the opening ceremony and the Ngo boat race taking place at 7:30 AM on November 5th, followed by the moon worship ceremony in the evening of the same day. Participating in the moon worship ceremony, locals and tourists have the opportunity to experience the sacred rituals of the Khmer people, expressing gratitude to heaven and earth, praying for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and prosperity for the villagers.

A performance showcasing traditional Khmer costumes at the " An Giang Province Khmer Traditional Arts Festival". Photo: CAM TU

The festival section, with its vibrant and diverse activities, created a joyful and lively atmosphere. The exhibition space showcasing images and artifacts related to the life and activities of the Khmer people, themed "The Colorful Cultural Heritage of the Khmer People in An Giang Province," was one of the attractions that drew many locals and tourists. Here, the Provincial Museum displayed approximately 300 artifacts related to cultural life and beliefs, and 150 images reflecting the socio- economic development, rural construction, and cultural and sports activities of the Khmer people.

At the exhibition, people had the opportunity to learn about the daily life and unique cultural characteristics of the Khmer people. Ms. Nguyen My Lam, a resident of Vinh Thuan commune, shared: “I was impressed by the exhibition space, displaying images and artifacts of the Khmer people, which helped to awaken a sense of pride in the rich and distinctive culture of my homeland.”

People visit the exhibition space, which displays images and artifacts of the Khmer people. Photo: CAM TU

The "An Giang Province Khmer Traditional Arts Festival" is a popular event among locals and tourists. Ms. Danh Huong, a resident of Go Quao commune, said: "I am proud that our province is constantly innovating and developing, linked to traditional festivals and events that have practical significance for the lives of the people. Every year, as the festival approaches, everyone gets very excited. My children who work far away always try to come home to participate." Ms. Huong particularly enjoys the "An Giang Province Khmer Traditional Arts Festival" because of the meticulously prepared artistic performances and costumes.

At the festival, the Provincial Library exhibited, displayed, introduced, and provided thousands of books and documents on various topics: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese history, literature, Kien Giang geography, sea and islands, skills, children's literature, etc. The book exhibition space impressed readers with its artistic book arrangement. In the competition for creating beautiful floating platforms, held on the banks of the Cai Lon River, 12 platforms were created by participating temples. Locals and tourists enjoyed this activity because each platform was decorated in an eye-catching, vibrant, creative way, reflecting the rich traditional identity of the Khmer people.

Locals participate in building hydro-landing platforms at the festival. Photo: CAM TU

The festival is not only an opportunity for cultural exchange but also a chance to promote local tourism and trade. Exhibition booths and fairs showcase typical and representative products of An Giang such as rice, seafood, handicrafts, and OCOP products, which are introduced and promoted to visitors. This is an opportunity for businesses, cooperatives, and craft villages to seek cooperation opportunities, contributing to increased income and improved living standards for the people.

Alongside the cultural activities, a series of sporting events were held, including: the Provincial Taekwondo Club Cup; men's volleyball, and men's football (11 a.m.) organized by Go Quao commune. Particularly noteworthy was the traditional boat race – the heart of the festival – which attracted 55 teams from various localities, competing in the 800m men's, 1200m men's, and 800m mixed men and women's races. These competitions provided opportunities for athletes to interact, learn from each other, spread the spirit of sports, and contribute to promoting the nationwide movement for physical training following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh.

Mr. Huynh Huu Nghia, a resident of Dinh Hoa commune, shared: “Every year I come to watch the boat race to enjoy the joyful and exciting atmosphere of the competition. Only by seeing the boat race firsthand can I fully appreciate the joy and passion for this traditional sport of the Khmer people. Boat racing is not only a unique sport of the people but also a symbol of the strength of unity.”

It can be said that the 17th Khmer Ethnic Group's Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival in 2025 is a typical cultural event, blending tradition and modernity, national identity and the spirit of integration, thereby affirming the role of culture in sustainable development, contributing to strengthening national unity, and creating a solid foundation for the stability and sustainable development of the province.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ngay-hoi-lon-cua-dong-bao-khmer-a466131.html