La Gi Ward: Strengthening community cohesion through religious institutions.

Along with the formation and development of the coastal population, the community religious institutions in La Gi ward not only hold historical and cultural value but also serve as a place to connect the community across generations.

Many traditional rituals at the Van Tan Long Fishing Festival

Preserving the traditional festivals of coastal residents.

In early May 2026, the People's Committee of La Gi Ward organized the Van Tan Long Fishing Festival 2026, attracting a large number of officials, residents, and tourists. This was the first year the People's Committee of the ward directly organized the opening ceremony of the festival after the administrative unit reorganization, demonstrating the local government's concern for preserving and promoting traditional cultural heritage associated with tourism development and the marine economy .

The Cau Ngu Festival is a long-standing cultural activity of coastal residents, associated with the worship of the Whale God - Duc Ngu Ong (God of the South Sea), a deity believed by fishermen to always protect and rescue them whenever they encounter strong waves and winds at sea. Beyond its spiritual significance, the festival also conveys aspirations for a peaceful life, favorable weather, successful fishing trips, abundant catches, and a prosperous life. The Van Tan Long historical and cultural site, along with the Hon Ba scenic site, were previously classified as provincial-level historical and cultural relics by the People's Committee of Binh Thuan province (formerly). These are both locations formerly within Binh Tan ward, now part of La Gi ward.

The Fishing Festival of the residents of Tan Long coastal village originated from the process of land reclamation and village establishment in the mid-19th century, closely linked to the fishing life of the local people for many generations. This year, the festival is organized on a larger scale than in previous years, supplementing many cultural, artistic, and folk sports activities such as: traditional opera performances, human chess competitions, net weaving competitions, and blindfolded duck catching games for the enjoyment of locals and tourists.

The funding for the event, in addition to local support, also comes from the contributions of fishermen, residents, businesses, resorts, and homestays in the area. From contributing funds and labor to preparing offerings and participating in traditional rituals such as the Nghinh Ông ceremony and the worship of the ancestors, everything demonstrates the spirit of solidarity and unity of the coastal community.

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Regarding the Fishing Festival, in the coming time, La Gi ward will continue to focus on preserving, maintaining, and promoting the value of the festival; gradually elevating the Van Tan Long Fishing Festival to be commensurate with the value of a provincial-level historical and cultural relic.

Ms. Dang Thi Hong Lam, Chairperson of the People's Committee of La Gi Ward.

Strengthening the spirit of community cohesion

In La Gi ward, there are many community religious institutions such as shrines, temples, and scenic spots closely associated with the spiritual life and fishing profession of the coastal residents. Every year, during traditional festivals at these shrines, temples, and scenic spots, commemorating the founders of the fishing profession, or traditional festivals, the people come together to organize events. Contributions vary entirely according to the circumstances of each family, each fishing trip, and each fishing season. When the sea is favorable and the boats have a good catch, people contribute more; when the sea is rough and the catch is low, they contribute less. Regardless of the amount, what is valuable is the spirit of sharing and the voluntary commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the fishing village.

No one remembers exactly when this spirit began, only that over generations, it has become an enduring beauty in the lives of fishermen. Each festival season is not only an occasion to express gratitude to the sea and pray for favorable weather, but also a chance for people to meet, visit, and strengthen their bonds after days of earning a living at sea. It is from these simple and natural contributions that the spirit of community cohesion, the silent but enduring strength of the people of La Gi coastal region, has been formed.

According to Ms. Dang Thi Hong Lam, Chairwoman of the La Gi Ward People's Committee, historical relics, scenic spots, and landmarks in the area such as Van Tan Long, Hon Ba, war memorials, and martyrs' temples are always carefully preserved, restored, and their value promoted in accordance with the law. In addition, many traditional festivals such as the Cau Ngu Festival (16th day of the 3rd lunar month), the Thu Festival (28th day of the 8th lunar month), and the Thien Ya Na Goddess Day (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month) are still maintained and organized solemnly and economically, contributing to the preservation of the cultural identity of the coastal residents.

This not only meets the cultural needs of the people but also contributes to promoting the local image, boosting tourism development, and the marine economy.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/phuong-la-gi-co-ket-cong-dong-tu-cac-thiet-che-tin-nguong-442450.html