Ok om bok – "Ngo" Boat Racing Festival in 2025 kicked off in Can Tho

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry for Ethnic and Religious Affairs; leaders of the Can Tho Municipal Party Committee and People’s Committee; along with Buddhist dignitaries, monks, guests, and a large number of residents and visitors.

In his opening remarks, Truong Canh Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho, emphasized that the Ok om bok Festival is the national intangible cultural heritage that embodies the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Khmer community in Southern Vietnam.

Held annually on the full moon of the tenth lunar month, the festival expresses gratitude to deities and prayers for good harvests, while preserving and promoting Khmer cultural values and strengthening national solidarity.

The festival in 2025 takes place from November 3 to 5 in Phu Loi and Soc Trang wards, featuring activities, such as the "Ngo" boat boat races, moon offering ceremony, Loi Protip water lantern release, Ca Hau boat demonstrations, and a trade fair showcasing OCOP products and regional specialties.

An artistic program opened the event, gathering hundreds of professional and amateur artists in a vibrant display of the Khmer cultural beauty. The festival serves as both a celebration of faith and tradition and a highlight of cultural tourism, promoting Can Tho as a safe, friendly, and attractive destination in the Mekong Delta.

Below are photos of the event. 

Truong Canh Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of the Can Tho Municipal Party Committee and Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, delivers the opening speech at the festival.

Delegates at the opening ceremony

Art performances at the event

Activities within the framework of the festival

Translated by Chung Anh