The Performance of 'Nation by the Waves' at the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Le Thanh Binh, a member of the Standing Board of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Kien Quan, a member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Ms. Thach Thi Thu Ha, a member of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Cau Ngang District Party Committee, along with leaders of the Cau Ngang District People's Committee, representatives from various departments, agencies, mass organizations of the province, and local residents.

The Sea Offering Festival, also known as the Nghinh Ong ceremony, is a traditional folk festival unique to the coastal areas, particularly celebrated by the people of My Long coastal village. It is held annually on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the fifth lunar month. The festival is a gesture of gratitude by the My Long fishermen towards the sea, where they give thanks, pray for favorable weather conditions, calm waves, and the safety, warmth, and happiness of their lives. In 2013, the My Long Sea Offering Festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

This festival is an important annual event in Cau Ngang district, celebrated with great solemnity and a variety of activities. It serves as a platform to showcase the beliefs, customs, and traditional knowledge of the fishermen. Through this festival, the fishermen express their gratitude and seek blessings from the gods for protection during their labor and fishing activities. The event aims to preserve and promote the values of intangible cultural heritage, contribute to the promotion and introduction of unique features and values of folk festivals in the province, and foster a sense of national cultural identity. Over time, the Sea Offering Festival has not only become a celebration for the My Long fishermen and the people of Tra Vinh but has also attracted a significant number of visitors from neighboring provinces.

The Shopping and Introduction Area for the District's OCOP Products at this Year's Festival

The My Long Sea Offering Festival in 2023 will feature a diverse range of activities, including performances of Don ca tai tu music, a food exhibition, a multimedia mobile library service, photo exhibitions, displays of documentary films showcasing the intangible cultural heritage of the My Long sea worshiping festival, exhibitions promoting local tourism products and the district's OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods, sports competitions, folk games, as well as the main rituals and ceremonies.

Đinh Thanh

Hoang Khiem (Translator)