Whale Festival In Can Gio 2025

The Whale Festival in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating celebration of the region's profound connection to the ocean and the majestic creatures that dwell within it. Let's dive into the enchanting Whale Festival and explore the significance it holds for the local community.

Basic information about the Can Gio Whale Festival

The Whale Festival has been celebrated since the Nguyen Dynasty in Can Gio.

Meaning of the festival in Can Gio

The Whale Festival, locally known as Le Hoi Nghinh Ong, is an ancient tradition that has been cherished for centuries in Vietnam's coastal communities. It originated as a means to pay homage to Ca Ong, the revered Whale believed to protect fishermen and seafarers. The festival is deeply ingrained in the lives and beliefs of the people of Can Gio, reflecting their strong ties to the sea and its bountiful resources.

The Whale Festival is locally known as Le Hoi Nghinh Ong

When does the Whale Festival in Can Gio take place?

The Can Gio Whale Festival takes place annually from the 14th to the 16th day of the 8th lunar month. Before the festival, everyone cleans and decorates their houses and prepares offerings to worship the Whale while ship owners prepare their ships with colorful flags and flowers for the festival. Can Gio people who live elsewhere also return home on this occasion to celebrate the festival.

The festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month

Where does the event take place?

The Can Gio Whale Festival is held at the Temple of Water General in Can Thanh Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. For fishermen in Can Gio, the festival is the most important event of the year.

The celebration is held at the Temple of Water General in Can Thanh Commune, Can Gio

Celebrating the festival in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City

The event always imprints the culture and history of the Can Gio people.

Rituals of the Whale Festival in Can Gio

The festival is centered around religious rituals that express reverence and gratitude towards Ca Ong. Elaborate ceremonies take place at temples and altars dedicated to the Whale, where incense is burned, prayers are recited, and offerings of fruits, flowers, and live fish are made. These rituals symbolize the community's deep respect for the ocean's bounty and their desire for continued protection and prosperity.

The festival is centered around religious rituals that express reverence and gratitude towards Ca Ong

During the Whale Festival, the streets of Can Gio come alive with processions featuring beautifully crafted floats adorned with intricate decorations. Dancers in traditional costumes gracefully perform mythical tales, while musicians play haunting melodies on traditional instruments. The air resonates with the enchanting sounds of drums, gongs, and other musical accompaniments, creating a mesmerizing ambiance.

Enjoy cuisine at the Whale Festival in Can Gio 

No celebration in Vietnam is complete without its culinary delights, and the event is no exception. Traditional dishes featuring freshly caught seafood take center stage, offering visitors a delightful culinary experience. Visitors can savor a variety of dishes such as grilled seafood, seafood hotpots, and delicious fish-based delicacies. These culinary treats reflect the region's reliance on the sea as a source of sustenance and livelihood.

Traditional dishes at the celebration offer visitors a delightful culinary experience

The Whale Festival in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, is a mesmerizing blend of cultural heritage, spirituality, and environmental consciousness. Attending the festival provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich traditions of Can Gio while gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of marine conservation. So, if you travel to Ho Chi Minh City during the festival, make sure to experience the captivating allure of this festival.