The 'Cau Ngu' Festival in Da Nang’s Son Tra District officially opened on Tuesday in order to pray for national peace and prosperity, favourable weather conditions, a successful fishing season, and a healthy and happy life.

The procession of the Sea God along the coast of Son Tra

The festival in Son Tra District is held annually, alternating between three wards of Man Thai, Nai Hien Dong and Tho Quang.

This year’s event takes place at the Whale Temple in Tho Quang Ward from March 7 to 9 with many traditional ceremonies and festival activities.

Specifically, the festive activities include a coracle race, tug-of-war, a fish carrying competition, and beach volleyball and football tournaments.

In addition, there are booths displaying typical seafood products, and ‘bai choi’ (singing while acting as playing cards) and ‘tuong’ (classic drama) performances.

The ‘Cau Ngu’ Festival is the biggest festival of fishermen. It offers a unique insight into Da Nang’s rich culture and it is part of the spiritual life of coastal communities in the city, and Central Viet Nam as a whole.  Also, it is a chance for local fishermen to pay tribute to their predecessors who had made great efforts for the development of local fisheries sector.

At the same time, the festival significantly contributes to promoting the beauty of community culture in modern life, and gradually becomes a unique cultural rendezvous for tourists who want to learn about and experience the life of local fishermen.

The festival is an opportunity for fishermen to pray for national peace, favourable weather, and a successful fishing season.

During the festival, the festive activities include ‘bai choi’ (singing while acting as playing cards) and ‘tuong’ (classic drama) performances.

Delegates offer incense at the Whale Temple in Tho Quang Ward.

Festival-goers visit and buy typical products made from seafood of residents in coastal wards. Photo: X.D

The coracle race and coracle-shaking competition saw the participation of healthy fishermen who have worked at sea for many years.

The fish-carrying competition attracted a large number of audience.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG - Translating by M.DUNG