HCM City: Nghinh Ong festival in full swing in Can Gio hinh anh 1At the event (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) - The Nghinh Ong (Whale Worship) festival, an annual traditional event of local fishermen, is underway in Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio district.

First held in the locality in 1913, it was recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. It is a cultural identity of coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through generations, aiming to pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace.

This year, the festival lasts from September 12 to 14 and consists of rituals and festive activities that feature musical performances, sports, and folk games, among others.

Ho Hong Thanh Tinh, Secretary of the district’s youth union, said nearly 2,000 of its members are working to support tourists at the event.

Nguyen Van Nam, a local resident, said Can Gio people consider Nghinh Ong festival the second biggest event of the year.

On the occasion, local authorities will also host a Mid-Autumn Festival for children, featuring a food space, exhibition, as well as lantern making and parade activities./.
VNA