Every year, right on occasion of the first Full Moon of the Lunar New Year, the fishermen in Quang Phu commune, Quang Binh province’s Dong Hoi city gather to celebrate Cau Ngu festival (Fish Worshipping Festival).
According to Chairman of Quang Phu commune elderly association Nguyễn Tiến Dũng, the festival has become fine tradition imbued with the cultural identity of Quang Phu coastal community, where most of its residents chose fishing as their key livelihood. The festival aims to honor their ancestors’ custom and express wishes for safety and luck in the new fishing season.
During the festival, all elders, clan leaders, village heads, ship-owners, fishermen and local people in turn put offerings on an altar placed toward the sea, then pray for safe fishing journey, prosperous and peaceful life. In addition, the ship-owners would pledge to uphold fishermen’s unity, hardworking and professional vows.
DT
