Fishermen Festival on Gianh River in Quang Binh

In the Gianh River valley, there is a fishing village primarily inhabited by descendants of Xuan Hoi village. These families migrated with their children aboard fishing boats, which serve as both their livelihoods and homes. Despite their ability to quickly disperse across the river, they can just as swiftly regroup, guided by tide schedules, seasonal changes, and fishing locations.

Historically, the fishermen of the Gianh River faced significant hardships due to their transient lifestyle. Yet, their floating existence did not diminish their reverence for their ancestors. Each spring, the fishermen make a pilgrimage back to Xuan Hoi village to pay their respects at the gravesites and contribute to the family fund before setting out once again on their boats, embarking on voyages that take them in myriad directions.
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Local lore recounts a time when these fishermen caught a massive whale that pleased the king. Recognizing their perseverance, the king designated them as “The Gods of the South Sea” and allocated land for them in Bo Khe Village. This area, known as Thanh Ha Hamlet, marked a pivotal transition from their floating lifestyle. Nevertheless, every year, the fishermen return to Xuan Hoi to organize a festival that celebrates their heritage. Unlike other villages where only fruits and sticky rice are offered, these fishermen prepare an elaborate feast of pork, fish, and sweets for their cherished annual event.

On the night of the full moon in the third month of the lunar calendar, all the boats converge at their original village, forming a grand floating gathering on the river. An altar is meticulously set up on this raft, serving as both a worship hall and a communal meeting space. This floating “temple” is adorned with flags, fans, bells, drums, and all the other ceremonial items necessary for the village leaders to conduct prayers and rituals. It has been established that the festival lasts for two nights and one day. The first night and the following day are dedicated to honoring ancestors who initiated the fishing traditions, while the following afternoon is set aside for prayers for wandering spirits, continuing until midnight.

The distinctiveness and beauty of this festival lie in its exclusivity; only the villagers from Xuan Hoi can participate. All ceremonies take place on the water, and no land-dwellers are allowed to join. However, numerous boats from nearby areas gather to witness the spectacle, transforming the event into a grand assembly of boats and ships along the Gianh River!