Cultural activities are closely linked to the farming seasons.

Offering prayers to the God of Agriculture at the Cam Nam Sticky Corn Festival. (Photo: Archival image)

Today, with the development of tourism , festivals are no longer just rituals to pray for a good harvest, but are becoming experiential spaces where people directly participate in tourism activities.

A notable aspect of the Cam Nam Sticky Corn Festival is its close connection to the agricultural life of the local people. The corn kernels offered to the god of agriculture are the fruits of the people's labor.

The ritual was simple yet solemn, with offerings of dishes made from corn such as boiled corn, corn porridge, corn fritters, etc. "The offering to the god of agriculture must include corn in various ways. That's how people express their gratitude to heaven and earth and their ancestors," said Mr. Do Van Dung, an elder from Thanh Nam neighborhood.

The connection between production and ritual gives the festival its depth. It is not only an occasion to pray for a bountiful harvest but also a time for the community to reflect on a production cycle and continue values passed down through generations.

While the ceremonial part emphasizes spiritual connection, the festive part clearly reflects daily life. People do not stand aside but directly participate in the activities.

From food stalls to experiential zones, everywhere you look, you see people busily preparing and serving food. Some are peeling corn, others are cooking sweet soup, some are grilling, others are rolling spring rolls… everyone has a task, creating a lively atmosphere of hard work.

"Each neighborhood block has been assigned specific tasks, everyone has something to do. We're very happy when customers enjoy the food," shared Ms. Le Thi Thanh, a resident of Thanh Nam neighborhood block.

Although only organized since 2014, the Cam Nam sticky corn festival is increasingly attracting tourists. Not only domestic tourists, but many international visitors also come to experience it.

A corner of the sticky corn festival in Cam Nam, Hoi An. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Romain Berton and his wife Loriejan Guevara said that what impressed them most was the warmth and authenticity. Berton said, “We could see how the people live and celebrate the festival. Everything felt so natural.” Loriejan Guevara enthusiastically added, “The food here is especially delicious; I really enjoyed the boiled corn – sweet and fragrant.”

At the Cam Nam sticky corn festival, the local people are both cultural subjects and direct participants in tourism. Familiar activities in daily life are transformed into experiential products.

However, like many other festivals, as it attracts more and more tourists, the need to preserve its unique identity becomes more apparent. If only the celebratory aspects are emphasized while neglecting the ceremonial aspects, the festival easily loses its depth. Researcher Tran Van An argues that sacredness is the core element of traditional festivals. "Without this element, the festival will only be a recreational activity, and it will be difficult to maintain its vitality in the long term," he stated.

From a traditional village cultural activity, the Cam Nam sticky corn festival is gradually becoming a unique tourism product. What attracts tourists is not only the dishes made from corn but also the simple lifestyle and the natural participation of the community.

When those values are preserved, the festival will continue to be nurtured and spread, just like the endless corn harvests on the alluvial plains along the Thu River...

Source: https://baodanang.vn/sinh-hoat-van-hoa-gan-cung-mua-vu-3329745.html