An annual “Cau Ngu” Festival for Da Nang fishermen took place at the Thuyen Temple on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Thanh Khe District’s Thanh Khe Dong Ward last Friday (16^th day of the 1^st lunar month).

In the early morning, a solemn procession of deities was held at the seashore, followed by a number of solemn rituals to honour the Water God and to pray for peace, happiness and prosperity throughout the year, as well as for a successful fishing season ahead.

Apart from the solemn rituals, the event also featured exciting cultural events which are closely associated with local fishermen.  Most notably, there was a display of valuable artifacts, some stalls to introduce fishing tools and fishery products, and an exhibition entitled “Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagos - Integral Parts of Viet Nam's Sovereignty”.

Da Nang Today would like to share with our readers some photos, taken by our reporter Ngoc Ha, which reflect the atmosphere of this event.

A solemn procession of deities …

… taking place at the seashore.

The main solemn rituals were in commemoration of ancestors and praying for peace, happiness and prosperity throughout the year, good weather, and a successful fishing season ahead.

Contestants at a cooking competition entitled “Huong Vi Bien” (Flavours from the Sea).

A beach football competition receiving hearty cheers from the spectators.

Fascinating stick pushing game

Fishing net knitting contest

The tug-of-war competition

Re-creation of wooden fishing boats in distress during a severe storm in 1893

“Tuong Ong Chai” (The Statue of an Old Fisherman) was found by a local fishermen while fishing at sea in autumn 1990. The Statue is now worshiped at the district’s Tap Linh Temple.

Stalls introducing many different types of fishing nets …

… and displaying seafood specialties, including dried cuttlefish, fish and fish sauce.

Visitors at the “Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagos - Integral Parts of Viet Nam's Sovereignty” exhibition