Clara
The Nghinh Ong Festival (whale worshiping) has long been a cherished cultural tradition for coastal communities. With a deep reverence for the Whale God, local fishermen believe in the good fortune that the deity brings. The festival features two main components: a ceremonial section and a festive part, offering a variety of traditional games that attract both domestic and international visitors.
1. What is the Nghinh Ong Festival?
The Nghinh Ong Festival is the largest water festival celebrated by fishermen, known by various names in different regions, such as the “Ong” fish sacrifice ceremony, “Ong” worship ceremony, and “Ong” ceremony. Despite the different names, they all share the belief that the “Ong” fish is a sacred sea creature and the patron deity of fishermen.
The tradition of worshiping whales has long been a part of the spiritual and cultural life of coastal communities. Fishermen revere the Ong fish based on the belief that it protects them during offshore fishing, especially when they encounter adverse conditions like hurricanes or storms.
Historically, the Ong fish sacrifice day originated from the Cham people’s tradition of honoring the Ong fish. This custom was introduced to our country long ago through cultural exchanges and has since become a significant belief for both Vietnamese and Chinese communities.
Over time, this worship tradition has evolved into a distinctive cultural characteristic of Vietnam. It serves as a prayer for calm seas, favorable weather, and good fortune for fishermen, wishing them a prosperous and joyful life.
2. The mystery behind the Nghinh Ong Festival
During the early days of the nation’s establishment, Nguyễn Ánh, while being pursued by the Tây Sơn forces, found his naval troops fleeing to the sea only to encounter a violent storm. In their moment of desperation, a large whale appeared and guided their ships to safety.
Later, after defeating the Tây Sơn forces and ascending to the throne, Nguyễn Ánh, grateful for the whale’s rescue, honored it by naming it the “Great General of the Southern Sea” and ordered the establishment of temples for its worship.
3. When is the Nghinh Ong Festival held?
The Nghinh Ong Festival mainly takes place in the coastal provinces of Vietnam, with varying dates for each location. Vietsozial provides details on the festival dates based on the Lunar Calendar for each city / province in the table below.
| City | Date of festival |
| Vũng Tàu | From 15th to 18th August |
| Cà Mau | From 14th to 16th February |
| Tiền Giang | 9th & 10th March |
| Cần Giờ | From 14th to 17th August |
| Khánh Hoà | From 11th to 13th February |
| Phú Quốc | 15th & 16th August |
4. Vibrant activities involved in the Nghinh Ong Festival
The Nghinh Ong Festival, regardless of the location, consists of two main parts: the ceremonial section and the festive section. The ceremonial part includes a ritual sacrifice and a procession where the statue of Nam Hải Tướng Quân is carried down to a dragon boat and taken to sea. Following the ceremony is the festive part, which features various entertainment activities and dining experiences.
4.1. Solemn and meaningful ceremonial section
The ceremonial part consists of two main events: the ritual sacrifice and the procession where the statue of Nam Hải Tướng Quân is carried to the dragon boat and taken out to sea. The procession is quite formal, with thousands of fishermen and visitors, dressed in their finest attire and carrying prepared offerings, gathering early in the morning at the shrine to participate in the ceremony.
In front of the houses along the route of the Nghinh Ông procession, altars are set up with offerings such as rice, salt, wine, tea, incense, and fruits, in anticipation of the arrival of the procession.
Along the coastline, local fishing boats are anchored, ready for the Nghinh Ông festival. The boats are decorated with lights, flowers, and colorful flags, and each boat has an altar set up with offerings, prepared for the ritual at sea. The offerings made by fishermen typically include chicken, duck, pig’s head, and roasted pig. Notably, seafood is never used as an offering, as it is considered the “soldiers” of the deity.
The sacrificial ceremony is conducted with great formality, following traditional rituals immediately after the procession. The ceremony includes prayers for safety, offerings of food, and traditional performances at the shrine.
4.2. Lively and entertaining festive section
In contrast to the formal ceremony, the festival’s celebration is vibrant and lively, featuring various cultural activities and entertainment such as fishing nets, duck-catching at sea, crab-tying, and stilts football, all taking place on the beach.
In some areas, the Nghinh Ông Festival also features additional activities such as steel ball games, marathons, beach volleyball, chess tournaments, and exhibitions showcasing local achievements in fishing and other trades.
This creates an opportunity for attendees to interact with local fishermen. Alongside the various recreational activities, both fishermen and visitors are invited to enjoy meals, socialize, and engage in friendly conversation together.
5. Best places to experience the Nghinh Ong Festival
5.1. Phú Quốc
Phu Quoc has recently been recognized as the second most beautiful island in the world, just after Maldives. The island is renowned for its stunning beaches such as Bai Sao and Bai Dai, with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. Surrounding the island are vibrant coral reefs and a rich marine ecosystem, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling activities.
With its tropical climate, Phu Quoc enjoys warm weather year-round, making it perfect for those who love sunshine and the sea. The island’s fresh seafood is also a highlight not to be missed, along with local cultural experiences such as visiting traditional markets and fishing villages.
The Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc takes place on the 15th and 16th days of the 8th lunar month. It’s an excellent opportunity to combine a stay at luxurious resorts with experiencing the rich maritime culture of Vietnam.
Read more: Discovering the Charm of Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s Smallest City
5.2. Vũng Tàu
Vũng Tàu is renowned for its beautiful beaches such as Bai Sau and Bai Truoc, where you can enjoy clear blue waters and fine white sand. The city is also known for its popular attractions like the Christ the King Statue, Vung Tau Lighthouse, and water parks. Additionally, Vung Tau is famous for its fresh seafood and local specialty dishes.
The climate here is quite pleasant, with warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for those who love the sea and wish to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. Additionally, Vung Tau is not far from Ho Chi Minh City, making it convenient to enjoy the seaside after exploring the vibrant city and to experience the local culture.
The Nghinh Ong Festival in Vung Tau takes place from the 15th to the 18th of the lunar month of August. Be sure to mark your calendar if you plan to visit Vung Tau!
5.3. Khánh Hoà
Khánh Hòa is renowned for its wonderful beaches, located in Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and Vạn Ninh. The region enjoys a warm climate year-round, making it perfect for beach activities and relaxation. Additionally, Khánh Hòa offers a variety of attractions, including the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Hòn Chồng, and Vinpearl Land.
Visitors can also savor fresh seafood and local specialties like Nha Trang grilled pork sausages. The region offers a chance to explore its rich cultural and historical heritage, with sites reflecting the blend of various cultures. High-quality tourism services, including numerous luxury hotels and resorts, add to Khánh Hòa’s appeal, making it an excellent choice for a vacation.
The Nghinh Ông Festival in Khánh Hòa takes place from the 11th to the 13th of the lunar month of February. If you visit Khánh Hòa during this period, be sure to take the time to experience the vibrant festivities.
The Nghinh Ong Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually by coastal communities, expressing wishes for favorable weather and prosperous business. It serves as an opportunity for fishermen to show their gratitude and enjoy some leisure and entertainment after a year of hard work. If you have the chance to visit, do not miss out on this lively festival! Additionally, do not forget to follow Vietsozial for exciting updates on travel and cultural information about Vietnam.
Tranh Hoang
