The Ngư Festival is a beautiful cultural event with significant spiritual meaning for fishermen in . Whenever it is held, the event attracts a large number of participants, including local residents and visitors from far away who come to explore and learn. Let’s find out more about the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng through the following article!
1 Introduction to the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Origin of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
From the 14th to the 16th of the lunar month, at Miếu Thuyền, Thanh Khê Ward, Đông Khê District, Đà Nẵng City, the Ngư Festival takes place. And every 3 years, the festival will be organized on a large scale and with great solemnity.
According to historical records, on the 23rd and 24th of the lunar month of March, in the year of Quý Tỵ, a big storm occurred, causing 1500 fishermen to permanently stay at sea. The people built Miếu Thờ Tập Linh to commemorate the unfortunate fishermen. By 1991, Miếu Thờ Tập Linh was renovated, and the people built boats to worship and continue the activities until today.
Origin of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Significance of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
The Ngư Festival is considered a religious activity to worship Mr. Ông (also known as the Whale). According to the beliefs of the people in the coastal areas of Central and South Vietnam, Mr. Ông is considered the guardian deity of fishermen.
The Ngư Festival is an occasion for people to express their gratitude to this divine being for protecting the fishermen from the big waves and strong winds at sea. At the same time, people pray to the Sea Genie Linh Nam Hải for a year of favorable rain, harmonious winds, calm skies, and abundant catches.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the Ngư Festival is also a social activity that promotes unity and encourages people to preserve traditional occupations. The activities within the festival create a joyful atmosphere and provide motivation for fishermen in the new fishing season.
Significance of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
2 Rituals of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
The Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng is organized over a period of 2 days. The first day is for preliminary rituals, while the second day is the main ceremonial day. During the festival, the altar is solemnly decorated with offerings. The boats are adorned with lanterns and colorful flowers.
During the festival, elderly and virtuous individuals with high prestige and no current funeral in their family are chosen as ritual masters. The main worshiper’s task is to offer sacrifices and recite prayers to express the gratitude of the village to Mr. Ông. They also pray for Mr. Ông’s blessings for a favorable and abundant fishing season.
Rituals of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
3 Exciting activities during the festival fair of the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
After the ceremonial part of the festival, the lively and bustling fair will begin. At this time, local residents and tourists can participate in folk games such as boat racing, walking on stilts, tug of war, football, etc. These collective activities contribute to enhancing unity and providing the motivation for fishermen in the new fishing season.
Tug of war activities at the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
In addition, the festival fair also features exciting performances. You will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional art forms such as hát bá khoan, hát tuồng, and hát bả trạo. These performances will elevate the spirit of unity among fishermen at sea, as they overcome numerous challenges to catch fish.
In the evening, the villages also organize mesmerizing opera and Huế singing performances. In addition, you will see the sparkling beauty of floating candles, as a commemoration of the deceased.
Lively activities taking place
4 Tips for attending the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Getting to the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Đà Nẵng is about 850km. You can travel by various means, and the travel time by bus or motorbike will be around 16 to 20 hours.
However, to save time, you can choose to fly. The flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Đà Nẵng is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then you can reach the festival venue by taxi.
Getting to the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Notes when attending the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Since this is a religious festival, when attending, you should choose appropriate and modest attire. During the ceremony, participants should maintain order and show their respect to the deities.
When participating in festivals, attendees should keep the environment clean. Avoid leaving trash behind, as it will affect the solemnity of the venue.
In addition, the Ngư Festival is often crowded with many participants. Therefore, please take good care of your personal belongings!
Notes when attending the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng
Above are the information about the Ngư Festival in Đà Nẵng that we want to share with you. If you have the opportunity to visit Đà Nẵng during the 14th – 16th lunar month, come and experience this meaningful and vibrant festival!
