Over the centuries, Vietnamese culture has been preserved and developed through many generations, with the diversity and richness of traditional festivals. Binh Thuan – a land located in the Southeast region of Vietnam is not only famous for its majestic natural beauty but also for hosting many unique traditional festivals, fully reflecting the culture and long history of this place. Let’s explore the unique festivals in Binh Thuan, where you can find the connection between the past and the present, between tradition and modernity.
Mid-Autumn Festival in Phan Thiet
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Phan Thiet has become a tradition that has been formed and developed over the past several decades. Every year, representatives from primary and secondary schools in Phan Thiet and neighboring communes enthusiastically participate in the parade. During the parade, each school usually has about 80 students holding small lanterns walking in front of the school’s large lantern, each of which is elaborately designed and constructed with a variety of images and meanings.
The festival usually takes place on the 13th or 14th or 15th of the 8th lunar month every year depending on the weather. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Phan Thiet focuses on traditional activities such as lighting lanterns, beating drums and parading with colorful lanterns, creating special highlights for the festival. In particular, organizing lantern competitions makes the festival atmosphere more vibrant and attractive.
Kate Festival in Binh Thuan
The Kate Festival is one of the most important events of the year for the Cham people who follow Brahmanism in Binh Thuan. Taking place in the 10th lunar month every year, the Kate Festival carries the meaning of remembering the gods and ancestors, praying for favorable weather and wind for a bountiful harvest and harmony between couples.
The Kate Festival takes place with religious rituals and vibrant entertainment activities imbued with the typical culture of the Cham people such as the procession of the gods, the competition of displaying and decorating offerings, the competition of making gingerbread, pounding rice, performing traditional musical instruments and folk games. The festival is also an important time to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and mutual love. People turn to their national roots, preserve and develop moral values, personality, and the spirit of harmony to create a strong and united community.
Praying for Peace Festival (Cau Yen Festival)
The Praying for Peace Festival, or Raja Prong, is one of the most vibrant traditional festivals of the Cham people in Phan Thiet. Every year, the festival is held in villages, where the Cham BaNi people mainly reside. Taking place in early January according to the Cham calendar (corresponding to April in the solar calendar), Raja Prong lasts about three days and three nights, marked by a combination of rituals and the fun of entertainment.
Villagers participate in praying for peace with the wish to pray for peace, eliminate bad luck in the old year, and seek luck and happiness in the future. The ceremony is held at dusk, creating a solemn and warm atmosphere.
After the ceremony, there are traditional dance and singing performances of the Cham people, combined with boat games, creating a joyful and vibrant space. In addition to the peace-praying ceremony, the Cham ethnic community in Phan Thiet also organizes many other festivals such as the Cau Dao ceremony, the Rija Nuga ceremony, the Dap Dam ceremony, and the Cam Phong ceremony, all of which are imbued with the traditional cultural identity of the Cham people.
Dinh Thay Thim Festival
The Dinh Thay Thim Festival at Dinh Thay Thim Historical-Cultural Relic is still fully preserved and maintained, from time, space to the order and manner of performing rituals. Thanks to this, the space of the festival becomes sacred, combined with folk games, competitions, and performances, attracting the attention of both locals and tourists.
The ceremony of welcoming the Gods and receiving the royal decree is one of the festival’s most important rituals, attracting many pilgrims and locals to participate. This is also an opportunity to recognize the merits of the character Thay Thim. This historical and cultural symbol has aroused faith and compassion in the community for over 130 years.
The Dinh Thay Thim Festival is not only a traditional event of the local community but also a precious cultural heritage. Including this festival in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022 is a testament to its value and appeal in the hearts of Vietnamese people.
Ca Ty River Boat Racing Festival
Traditional boat racing has become an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of the people of the Phan Thiet coastal area, especially every spring, as people often say: “Tet comes, every family races boats”. This is not only a sport activity but also a symbol of the solidarity and attachment of the fishing community to the sea.
The boat racing competition not only brings joy and excitement to the participants but is also an opportunity to maintain and develop this traditional sport, closely associated with the daily life of the fishing community in the coastal area.
On the Ca Ty River, the joy and excitement of tens of thousands of spectators made the atmosphere more exciting than ever. It is the constant encouragement and motivation for each competing team and also a manifestation of the solidarity and resilience of the coastal people, ready to go out to sea to protect the sovereignty of the homeland’s sea and islands.
Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Festival
The Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Phan Thiet Festival held every two years (even-numbered years), is not only an opportunity to preserve and develop local folk culture but also a ceremony to pray for favorable crops and a peaceful life. The ritual tradition is maintained through traditional rituals that are deeply characteristic of the culture of the Chinese community in Phan Thiet City. Especially the Nghinh Ong ritual, when Ong is carried through the central streets of Phan Thiet City with the participation of more than 1,000 people.
The Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Festival in Phan Thiet City is not only a religious event but also a festival for tourists and local people. This is one of the 5 festivals chosen by Binh Thuan province to serve tourism development, helping to promote the image and attract tourists to Phan Thiet – Binh Thuan, not only domestically but also internationally.
Cau Ngu Festival
Cau Ngu is one of the traditional festivals that was formed early by fishermen along the coast of Binh Thuan, a special mark of this land. Every year, in the 7th lunar month, Cau Ngu festival attracts the attention of people and tourists with traditional rituals such as the procession of Ong Sanh and the lantern launching ceremony on Ca Ty River. At the same time, the vibrant atmosphere of the festival is also created by diverse cultural, artistic and culinary activities at the fair and exhibition.
Cau Ngu festival is not only a place to honor and pray for the peace of fishermen and marine economic activities, but also an opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere. At the same time, this festival is also a symbol of gratitude to the sea, where fishermen place their trust and peace of mind in their working life at sea. The importance of Cau Ngu festival was recognized when it was included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
CONCLUSION
Binh Thuan is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also an ideal destination for those who love to explore culture through unique traditional festivals. Walking around the villages and towns of Binh Thuan during the festivals, you will witness colorful traditional ceremonies, typical cultural games and the vibrant atmosphere of the festivals.
Come to Binh Thuan during the days of traditional festivals to enjoy not only the natural beauty but also the unique culture of this place. Don’t forget to use Muine Express Travel‘s service to book a tour in Phan Thiet Mui Ne or book a tourist car, or hotel room at the most reasonable price for your trip. Let Binh Thuan be your destination, where you can explore, enjoy and relax with full experiences!
