The Nam Hai Festival is one of the most important festivals, carries great significance for the people of Phu Quoc. This is an opportunity for the people to express their gratitude to those who have contributed to the development and protection of the village, praying for favorable weather conditions.
1 Origin of the Nam Hai Festival
The Nam Hai Festival is held on the 15th and 16th day of the 2nd lunar month every year, at the Nam Hai Tomb, Block 9, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
The festival and the Nam Hai Tomb have existed for a very long time. In the past, the tomb was simply made of leaves and trees. Depending mainly on their livelihood at sea, they not only developed strength and perseverance but also relied on spirituality as a source of spiritual encouragement. Ca Ong, the respected deity, has helped them overcome difficulties and disasters.
After several instances of the death of Ca Ong and his bodies washing ashore, the people carefully preserved 5 of Ca Ong’s skeletons at the Nam Hai Tomb. This practice is an expression of sympathy and respect for the deity who has helped and protected them in life.
The people have carefully preserved 5 of Ca Ong’s skeletons at the Nam Hai Tomb
2 Meaning of the Nam Hai Festival
The Nam Hai Festival is held annually to show the gratitude of the people to those who have established the village and Ca Ong for protecting fishermen.
The festival is also an occasion for people to gather together and strengthen their unity. Moreover, the festival attracts the attention of tourists from both domestic and foreign countries, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the folk beliefs.
Meaning of the Nam Hai Festival
3 Activities in the Nam Hai Festival
The Ceremony is held on the 16th day of the 3rd lunar month, including the rituals of prayers and worship. In addition to the offerings for Ca Ong, the people also bring other offerings to express their respect and desire for peace and prosperity.
The most interesting part of the festival takes place on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, featuring various activities. Especially, the dragon boat racing is the main highlight with the participation of 12 teams (6 male and 6 female), racing on a 2km long course with traditional wooden boats of the local fishermen. The atmosphere of the boat racing is vibrant and exciting, with thousands of people cheering and applauding, creating a lively atmosphere for the festival.
To serve the locals and tourists, the festival also includes Don ca tai tu performances. In addition, traditional games such as blindfolded hitting the pot, tug of war, and food competitions attract the participation of many people.
Activities in the Nam Hai Festival
4 Tips for attending the Nam Hai Festival
When participating in the Nam Hai Festival, please pay attention to the following:
- Thoroughly research the festival information regarding time, location, and regulations to fully experience the festival.
- Choose appropriate and comfortable attire, and prepare accessories such as hats, jackets, and sunscreen.
- Respect the cultural values of the festival and behave politely and politely.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful moments of the festival.
Tips for attending the Nam Hai Festival
Above are the information about the Nam Hai Festival in Phu Quoc. If you have the opportunity to travel here, do not miss the chance to explore this unique festival!
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