Nghinh Ong Can Gio 2024 Echoes of the ocean, convergence of coastal culture

This is not only a major cultural event of Ho Chi Minh City, but also a "Sea Festival" - a typical cultural symbol of the people of Can Gio coastal area. The festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

Vice Chairman of Can Gio District People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Xuan speaks at the ceremony. Photo: Thu Huong/VNA

Vice Chairman of Can Gio District People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Xuan, said: "The Whale Festival is not only the pride of Can Gio people but also has the meaning of encouraging the spirit and giving strength to fishermen to enter the new fishing season with faith and hope."

He also said that this year’s festival is expected to attract a large number of people and tourists, contributing to strengthening the local cultural strength. One of the special highlights of this year’s festival is the spectacular light art performance with 250 drones, recreating the typical images of the Nghinh Ong Festival and Can Gio sea.

However, due to the impact of storm No. 3 in the North, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has decided to reduce the scale of festival activities to share with people in the storm and flood areas. Many activities such as fireworks, art performances and sports have been cut down, only keeping traditional rituals such as the flag-raising ceremony, the procession on the sea and the celebration of fishermen's achievements.

Local fisherman Nghiem Minh Sang shared: "For Can Gio people, the Nghinh Ong Festival is not only a belief but also an occasion to reunite and offer sacrifices at the Mausoleum of the Water General. We prepare boats, fruits early to attend the ceremony."

This year’s festival takes place from September 16-18, bringing a bustling atmosphere and joy to the coastal people. At the same time, the Organizing Committee also called on people and tourists to donate to support the Northern people affected by storm No. 3.

Art program "Nghinh Ong Can Gio - Echoes of the coastal region".

On this occasion, the People's Committee of Can Gio district awarded certificates of merit and rewards to many individuals with outstanding work achievements and units that contributed to the restoration and conservation of Ong Thuy Tuong Tomb - a sacred cultural symbol of Can Gio people.

The Can Gio Whale Festival 2024 is not only a cultural event, but also an opportunity for people to express their faith and gratitude to the ocean and pray for a bountiful fishing season.

Van Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nghinh-ong-can-gio-2024-am-vang-bien-ca-hoi-tu-van-hoa-mien-duyen-hai-post312649.html