Exciting Nhat Le boat racing festival – Living heritage in the heart of Dong Hoi

This year's boat racing festival brings together 8 swimming teams from 5 localities, including: 4 teams from Bao Ninh commune, 1 team from Quang Phu commune, 1 team from Phu Hai ward, 1 team from Hai Thanh ward and 1 team from Dong Hai ward. Each boat consists of 23 athletes competing in a distance of 12km with two rounds: qualifying round and final round. The race starts from Nhat Le fishing port to Dong Hai park - where a large number of fans, locals and tourists gather to cheer enthusiastically.

The swimming teams competed enthusiastically on Nhat Le River, giving their all in the exciting and determined atmosphere of the traditional boat racing festival.

In the atmosphere of great enthusiasm and martial spirit, the racing teams competed enthusiastically, strictly following the tournament rules, demonstrating solidarity, honesty and high determination. The sound of drums and cheers echoed along both banks of the river, mixed with the brilliant colors of flags, creating a unique and emotional racing space.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (Dong Hai ward) shared: “My family and I were all excited to come very early to watch the boat race. Every time the boat team swam by, the whole stadium exploded with cheers and flags fluttering in the sky. The vibrant atmosphere made everyone feel excited and proud of their hometown’s traditions.”

Crowds of locals and tourists gathered along the banks of the Nhat Le River, enthusiastically cheering on the racing teams in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Mr. Tran Van Ly (Bao Ninh commune) - who has followed this festival for many years - emotionally said: "I am happy that today's young generation still maintains the spirit of enthusiastic competition and solidarity. This is not just a race, but an opportunity for people in coastal areas to express their wishes for a year of favorable weather and wind, and to catch lots of fish and shrimp."

Many tourists from the northern and southern provinces also witnessed the festival for the first time and expressed their excitement. Mr. Nguyen Tuan (tourist from Hanoi) said: “I had heard about the boat racing festival in Quang Binh, but only when I came here did I see the scale and enthusiasm of the people. Very special, very memorable!”

The rowing boats accelerated in the fierce competition minutes, competing fiercely for the highest position in the traditional boat racing festival on Nhat Le River.

At the end of the final round, the Dong Duong boat team (Bao Ninh commune) excellently crossed the finish line first, winning the first prize. The second prize went to the Quang Phu commune team, and the third prize was awarded to the Phu Hai ward team. The three consolation prize winners were Hai Thanh ward, Ha Trung team and Trung Binh team (all from Bao Ninh commune). In addition, the Organizing Committee also awarded the Style prize to two boat teams from Ha Thon (Bao Ninh commune) and Dong Hai ward.

Not only is it an exciting sporting activity, the boat racing festival on Nhat Le River also carries the spiritual elements and traditional cultural values ​​of the coastal residents of Quang Binh. Each boat race is an opportunity for people to express their wishes for a peaceful and bountiful fishing season, a prosperous and happy life. For the people of Dong Hoi, the festival not only reminds them of tradition, but is also associated with love for their homeland, the sea and community cohesion.

Dong Hoi City leaders awarded first, second and third prizes to excellent racing teams at the boat racing festival on Nhat Le River, expressing recognition and encouragement for the athletes' competitive spirit.

In 2022, the traditional boat racing festival on Nhat Le River was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage - a testament to the lasting vitality and unique value of this festival in the cultural life of the community.

The boat racing festival on Nhat Le River continues to affirm its role as an attractive cultural and tourist highlight of Dong Hoi City, contributing to promoting the image of Quang Binh land and people to domestic and international friends.

Source: https://congluan.vn/soi-dong-le-hoi-dua-thuyen-nhat-le-di-san-song-giua-long-dong-hoi-10289040.html