Cua Lo Festival

Taking place on April 30th and May 1st annually, the Cua Lo Festival is a vibrant event in Nghe An, attracting thousands of tourists from both within the province and beyond. Alongside the traditional Van Loc Temple Festival held on the banks of the Lam River, this celebration uniquely combines the region’s cultural heritage with modern influences, marking the beginning of the tourism season.
Photo: dulichchaovietnam.com

As with many Vietnamese festivals, the Cua Lo Festival unfolds in two main parts: a worshiping ceremony and public celebrations. The worshiping segment includes significant ceremonies such as the Khai Quang Ceremony, Yet Cao Ceremony, and Thankfulness Ceremony, all conducted at Van Loc Temple. After these rituals, a grand parade is held, moving from Van Loc Temple to the heart of Cua Lo at Binh Minh Square. While the parade mirrors the Van Loc Temple Festival's format, it boasts a much larger scale. Starting in the early afternoon, the parade progresses through the town's primary streets. Initially consisting of a few hundred participants, it rapidly transforms into a lively procession of thousands, adorned with colorful costumes and accompanied by energetic Lion Dance performances. The ornate carriages, vibrant banners, and dazzling outfits of performers create a captivating cultural spectacle, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Photo: baonongnghiep.vn

Following the worshiping ceremonies, the festivities kick off with a variety of entertainment and sporting activities. A highlight of the event is the annual show, "Connecting the Sea’s Hands," which features numerous professional performing groups, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display. Participants can enjoy an array of sporting events, including beach volleyball, tug-of-war, badminton, tennis, and human chess. Additionally, there is an exhibition area where tourists can explore photographs showcasing Cua Lo’s renowned historical and natural sites. Interestingly, in the lead-up to the festival, many local hotels organize Food Culture events and Best Chef competitions; it’s advisable to check with your accommodation for details leading up to the festival. A signature attraction of the Cua Lo Festival is the traditional boat race, which draws crowds from across the region. Participants compete in teams of 20, led by a captain who signals using a drum or whistle. The venue for this lively race is the stunning beach in front of Binh Minh Square, where a 1,000-meter-long race track is monitored by navy vessels. This event not only revives the unique cultural traditions of the fishing community but also provides a distinct experience for tourists visiting Cua Lo.