Thousands of fishermen from Bac Lieu and Mekong Delta coastal provinces flocked to the 2012 Nghinh Ong (Whale Worshiping) festival, which opened on March 31 in Ganh Hao port, Bac Lieu province.
The three-day festival included ceremonies and rituals performed by the local fishermen to show their gratitude to the whale, Ca Ong, and pray for fair winds and good seas, a safe return to shore, good luck, happiness and prosperity.
The highlight of the event was the release of 4.7 million breeding shrimp into the sea by 62 shrimp processing companies in the province on April 1.
The 2012 festival also featured artistic performances, folk games, stilt walking, kite flying, mini-football, volleyball, and a ‘Skillful Women’ culinary contest.
Fishermen believe that whales rescue people in danger at sea and can bring them a prosperous fishing season. The annual festival promoted the local cultures and helped strengthen solidarity and mutual assistance among the Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa (Chinese Vietnamese) ethnic groups in Bac Lieu province.
The festival also offered an opportunity for fishermen to contribute to building and developing the country, and protect the sovereignty of Vietnam’s sacred sea.