Nuoc Man Festival

This is one of the oldest and largest festivals in Binh Dinh, celebrating over 400 years of rich tradition. The festival takes place at the Lady Temple in An Hoa, which was once a prominent commercial port. This temple was established by a Chinese merchant to honor the Queen of Nature, the deity believed to safeguard trade ships navigating the seas. As a result, the Nuoc Man Festival reflects a blend of Vietnamese culture infused with elements of Chinese heritage. The festival spans three days, occurring from the 1st to the 3rd of February in the lunar calendar, attracting not only local residents but also visitors from neighboring regions. A distinctive aspect of this festival is the custom where families in the area decorate their homes and streets with lanterns and prepare feasts to share with guests from afar.
Photo: baobinhdinh.com.vn

The festival consists of two primary segments. The ritual component typically occurs before the celebratory activities, as it is deemed the most significant event. During this ritual, community members offer prayers to the Queen of Nature for fortune, wealth, and health; fishermen and their families specifically seek blessings for safe fishing ventures and divine protection. The festival features vibrant and elaborate traditional performances, including the Lion Dance, the Light Dance, and various Martial Arts displays. In recent years, the festival has evolved to incorporate contemporary activities such as volleyball tournaments. With its sacred rituals and lively entertainments, the Nuoc Man Festival has earned the reputation of being the second Tet Holiday in An Hoa.