The Nghinh Ong Festival is a ceremony held by coastal people in Vietnam to worship Mr. Whale, the rescuer and holy God of fishermen at sea, and pray for favorable weather and lucky voyages. Fishermen in Vung Tau fishing village celebrate the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Festival last weekend.
A procession of Mr. Whale to the sea (photo: Thang An/VOV)
Fishermen believe that Mr. Whale is a sacred God and rescuer of fishermen from high waves, strong winds, and other dangers.
Ngo Van Dung, a fisherman in Thang Tam ward, Vung Tau city, says: “Fishermen highly respect Mr. Whale. Every year we organize a Nghinh Ong ceremony to pray for favorable business, good weather, and lots of luck. He helps people in distress or sinking boats. He rescues fishermen. When a whale is swept onto the shore, the fishermen bury it and worship at Thang Tam Temple.”
After ceremonial rituals for Mr. Whale, marine deities, ancestors, and heroic martyrs, there are performances of Tuong classical theater and traditional folk games to inspire a martial art spirit and the indomitable will of the Vietnamese and Vung Tau people. This year the organizing board added a kite flying contest and a shaking coracle contest. An art performance and exchange themed “I love the Vietnamese sea” attracted some 2,000 people.
The Nghinh Ong Festival is open to everyone. In 2020 the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Department of Tourism selected The Nghinh Ong Festival as one of 15 national festivals and organized it as an annual cultural tourism event.
Le Phuong