The Unique Origins and Significance of An Hai Village Festival in Da Nang by Fishermen

The An Hai Village Festival is one of the largest festivals of the fishermen in Da Nang. Let's explore the origin and significance of this festival right away!

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An Hai Village is one of the ancient villages in Da Nang that has preserved its traditional culture through generations. When mentioning An Hai Village, people often think of the An Hai Village Festival held by the coastal residents here. This festival holds great significance and is carefully prepared with the enthusiasm of the people. So where does the origin of the An Hai Village Festival come from and what interesting activities does it have? Let’s explore in the article below.

1 An overview of the An Hai Village Festival

Origin of the An Hai Village Festival

According to folklore, An Hai Village was discovered and established by a woman named Mrs. Than, a migrant from the North. Initially, the village had only 6 clans, which later developed into many branches and formed various different customs and traditions.

Historically, the Nguyen Dynasty built An Hai Village to the east of the Han River along with the Dien Hai Citadel to the west to protect the Da Nang seaport. This place is a site marked with many historical achievements. During the war against the French-Spanish coalition in the early morning of September 1, 1858, both citadels were severely damaged. However, in 2000, the festival was organized again and has been preserved for over 20 years. At present, the An Hai Village Festival is held on the 10th and 11th of the 8th lunar month each year.

Origin of the An Hai Village Festival

Significance of the An Hai Village Festival

The An Hai Village Festival is organized to commemorate the establishment of the village as well as to honor the cultural values of the people here. Despite the passage of time, the achievements and glory of history still resonate.

Significance of the An Hai Village Festival

2 Rituals of the An Hai Village Festival

The An Hai Village Festival takes place in a solemn and sacred space at An Hai Communal House. The ceremony starts with the opening speech by local officials, then the people will proceed with the offering ceremony with prepared offerings. After the offering ceremony, the villagers gather by the river to cheer on the boat race, which is a characteristic sport of An Hai Village.

Rituals of the An Hai Village Festival

3 Exciting activities in the festival section of the An Hai Village Festival

The festival section is always highly anticipated. It lasts from morning until late at night, with a lively and vibrant atmosphere with many exciting activities.

  • Noon: After the opening boat race, traditional games such as breaking pots, rice blowing competition, Chinese chess, and tug of war will take place. Besides, there are modern sports such as badminton, athletics, etc.
  • Afternoon: Lion dance competition and it is also the time for everyone to take a break.
  • Evening: Cultural performances, theatrical performances depicting the past life of the people, and many other exciting performances.

Exciting activities in the festival section of the An Hai Village Festival

4 Tips for attending the An Hai Village Festival

When participating in the An Hai Village Festival, you need to pay attention to some issues to have the best experience. Here are some tips for attending the An Hai Village Festival:

  • Research and refer to the directions to the festival for easier transportation.
  • Be aware of the opening time to not miss any activities.
  • Respect the local culture, observe the rituals, and regulations when participating in the festival.

Tips for attending the An Hai Village Festival

In this article, we have explored the origin and significance of the unique An Hai Village Festival of the fishermen in Da Nang. If you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful city in the 8th lunar month, don’t forget to visit An Hai Village to participate in this meaningful festival.

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Frequently asked questions

The An Hai Village Festival is an annual cultural event held in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is a traditional festival that originated from the fishing community and has been passed down for generations.

The festival usually takes place in the late days of the lunar year, around February or March in the solar calendar. It is held in An Hai Village, which is located in the Son Tra peninsula, about 10 kilometers from the center of Da Nang city.

The festival has a unique origin story that dates back to the 18th century. According to legend, the fishermen of An Hai Village prayed to the sea god for protection and a good catch. Their prayers were answered, and they caught a giant fish that brought prosperity to the village. The festival celebrates this legend and serves as a way to honor the sea god and seek blessings for a prosperous fishing season.

The festival features a variety of traditional rituals, performances, and activities. Highlights include a sacred ceremony at the sea god’s altar, a colorful procession with floats and folk games, and a vibrant market with local specialties and handicrafts. There are also boat races, folk music performances, and a unique ‘fish releasing’ ritual, symbolizing the return of the giant fish to the sea.

The An Hai Village Festival has evolved to become a significant cultural event in Da Nang, attracting tourists and promoting local traditions. It has helped preserve the fishing community’s heritage and strengthened the bond between the villagers. The festival also contributes to the local economy, promoting cultural tourism and providing a platform for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products.