Thanh Hoa’s festival recognised national intangible cultural heritage

The Cau Ngu (Whale worshipping) festival is a one-of-a-kind cultural feature of coastal localities in Vietnam, and it has recently been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. The festival is held to pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages, and peace for the nation, and it is celebrated in Ngu Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, in central Vietnam.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Unique festival celebrates sea bounty
• Recognized as national heritage
• Preserves cultural richness and diversity.

The festival, which is considered the largest of its kind not only in Thanh Hoa but also across north central localities, attracts thousands of visitors every year. The main ritual of the festival is a procession of the Long Chau boat from Bac Tho village to a platform at the commune’s stadium, where praying will be conducted every day during the festival.

On the last day of the festival, the Long Chau boat will be burned at the seaside, marking the end of the celebrations. Many festivities are also held during the event, including squid catching and fishing net drawing competitions, a Chinese chess contest, and art performances.

The Importance of Preserving the Cau Ngu Festival for Future Generations

The Whale worshipping festival is a unique celebration of the sea and its bounty, which has been preserved and passed down through many generations. It is a testament to the local community’s cultural heritage and the important role that the sea plays in their lives. The festival serves as a reminder of the deep connection between humans and the sea, and the importance of preserving this connection for future generations.

The Significance of the National Recognition of the Cau Ngu Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage

The recognition of the Cau Ngu festival as a national intangible cultural heritage is a significant achievement for the people of Thanh Hoa province and a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of Vietnam. This recognition will help to raise awareness about the festival and its importance, not just within Vietnam but also internationally. It will also encourage the preservation and promotion of this unique cultural feature, ensuring that it is passed down to future generations.

In conclusion, the Whale worshipping festival in Thanh Hoa province is a unique celebration of the sea and its bounty, and it has recently been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. This recognition is a significant achievement for the local community and a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of Vietnam. The festival serves as a reminder of the deep connection between humans and the sea, and the importance of preserving this connection for future generations.