Visit Vietnam Year 2023: Binh Thuan ready to hold big “Cau Ngu” festival
As a host of Visit Vietnam Year 2023, the south-central coastal province of Binh Thuan will organise a big “Cau Ngu” (Whale worshipping) festival, making it a prominent event to attract visitors to Phan Thiet city in particular and the province in general.
Boat racing - part of "Cau Ngu" festival in the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan. (Photo: Binh Thuan Museum)
Binh Thuan (VNA)꧙ – As a host of Visit Vietnam Year2023, the south-central coastal province of Binh Thuan will organise a big “Cau Ngu”(Whale worshipping) festival, making it a prominent event to attract visitorsto Phan Thiet city in particular and the province in general.
According to the local authority, thefestival has been held at a city scale for almost 15 years, but the province will upgrade the event this year with more special activities . Worshipping rituals will take place from August 6 to 8with a procession of Ong Sanh Order from Hon Lao toCon Cha and then to Duc Thanh bridge and along Ca Ty river, and a lantern floating ceremony at Ca Ty river. Festive activities will take place on Trung Trac street fromAugust 1-8 including fairs, exhibitions, food stalls; contests of rowing andshaking baskets for men and women, and musical performances. Nguyen The Dung, deputy head of the Cau Ngu FestivalOrganising Committee, said that the conservation and sustainable promotion ofthe unique folklore values of the Cau Ngu festival not only meet thereligious and spiritual needs of local people but also help make the festivala tourist product that attracts domestic and foreign tourists, especially thisyear when Binh Thuan hosts the Visit Vietnam Year 2023. He said preparation for the festival have completed with prioritygiven to ensuring safety for people and visitors together with social order,security, road safety, and environmental hygiene.
The Cau Ngu festival is observed under the belief that whales rescuepeople in danger at sea, whilst they also represent a symbol of good fortunethat can bring local people a bumper fishing season.
During the festival,locals hold solemn rituals, sing folk songs, and play folk games,including holding a sailing competition.
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Boat racing - part of "Cau Ngu" festival in the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan. (Photo: Binh Thuan Museum) 
