Whale Festival

Nghinh Ong Festival - Nha Trang, also known as Cau Ngu Festival Nha Trang or Ca Voi Nha Trang, different names depending on the region, is a unique traditional cultural festival of fishermen in the coastal area of ​​Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province. The festival is an opportunity for fishermen to express their respect to Ca Ong (whale) and for visitors to learn about local cultural beliefs.

The festival includes many typical rituals and activities, expressing respect and belief in the Whale - the sacred sea god in folk culture.

The ceremony begins with the Nghinh Than ceremony, when the Nam Hai Whale palanquin is carried onto a dragon boat early in the morning to set sail to welcome the Whale's soul. This is followed by the Sac Phong ceremony, in which two processions from the North to the South converge at the Whale's Mausoleum, led by a lion team and a dragon team, with the purpose of clearing the way and driving away evil spirits. After completing the rituals of inviting the Whale, reporting the results of the previous year and praying for peace, the Whale is brought back to sea. In addition, the festival also includes other rituals such as the Tinh Sanh, Te Chanh, Thu Le and Ton Vuong ceremonies, ending with the Tong Na ceremony.
The ceremony takes place in a joyful atmosphere, with traditional coastal games such as rowing, swimming, shaking baskets and cultural activities such as singing tuong and singing khoan. The highlight of the festival is the Hat Ba Trao dance - a scene that vividly recreates the life of fishermen rowing boats, pulling nets and bringing souls to the eternal world. This performance carries a profound meaning of solidarity and perseverance, expressing the desire for a peaceful and bountiful sea season.