Whale worship festival in Da Nang recognized as intangible heritage

The festival in Thanh Khe district is one of the traditional whale-worshiping celebrations of fishing communities in coastal localities.

The festival's organizers receive the certificate recognizing the festival as the national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: laodong.vn

The whale worship festival is part of the cultural identity of Vietnam’s Central and South Central coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through the generations. Participants pray for plenteous hauls of fish, safe voyages, and peace for the nation.

The festival has been an indispensable part of life in fishing villages and is an important spiritual and cultural event, staged in the hope of winning favor with the sea god.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Huynh Van Hung said the festival is designed to honor those who contribute to the country’s fisheries sector, as well as preserve traditional folk culture.

Source: VNA