Cau Ngu Festival

Originally, the festival is dedicated to Ca Ong, the guardian of the village’s well-being. Local folklore describes Ca Ong as a whale who aids fishermen in navigating storms while at sea. Consequently, whenever a whale is washed ashore, the villagers promptly come together to rescue it. Each year, in coastal areas such as Man Thai, Tho Quang, and Thanh Loc Dan, the Cau Ngu Festival is celebrated shortly after the Tet Holiday.
Photo: vietnaminmmigration.com 

The festival takes place over two days in the third month of the lunar calendar. The first day is devoted to preparations for the official worship of Ca Ong on the second day. Families meticulously decorate their altars, and all fishing boats are adorned with lanterns and flowers. Residents of the village then elect respected elders to form a committee to oversee the worship rituals. The head of the committee offers various gifts—excluding seafood—to Ca Ong, expressing the villagers' gratitude for his goodwill and hoping for a safe fishing season ahead. On the second day, the joyful sounds of drums fill the air as the festival transitions to the sea. All boats congregate at a designated point for the committee to pay their respects to Ca Ong. Following the worship, numerous activities and games entertain the community until day’s end. The festival concludes with a final worship session that evening.

Though it is shorter in duration compared to other festivals in nearby regions, the Cau Ngu Festival powerfully embodies the fishermen’s aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous life.
Photo: en.nhandan.org.vn