The main rituals of the festival, including a grand procession for the whale, took place in the coastal town of Song Doc at noon on March 14 (the 15th day of the second lunar month).
The ceremony began with offerings and prayers, followed by a grand procession from the Nam Hai Whale Temple. The procession included court ladies, elders, flag bearers, drummers, lion dancers, and a large crowd marching from the Whale Temple to Song Doc Fishing Port before setting sail.
The highlight of the festival is when the fleet of fishing boats head out to sea towards Hon Chuo Island to welcome the spirit of the whale (known as the sea god). If the boats encounter a whale spraying water, called "Ong Doi", they will immediately return, as it is considered an auspicious sign.
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The ritual ceremony before the whale worshipping procession at Nam Hai Whale Temple in Song Doc Town. |
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The Long Dinh procession from Nam Hai Whale Temple to Song Doc Fishing Port, before the boats set sail for the whale worshipping ceremony at sea. |
According to the beliefs of coastal fishermen in Ca Mau, the ritual of escorting the Whale back to the shrine is the most sacred moment. During this time, people bring offerings such as incense, candles, chickens, ducks, roasted pigs, and fruits to the front of their homes to perform a ceremonial tribute, expressing their deep respect for the sea deity who protects fishermen.
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The fleet at Song Doc Fishing Port prepares to set sail for the whale worshipping ritual. |
Throughout the festival, local authorities, in coordination with relevant functional forces, have strengthened patrols, inspections, and guidance for vessels to ensure security, order, and traffic safety.
Earlier, on the evening of March 13, the Song Doc Whale Worshipping Festival was officially inaugurated in the coastal town of Song Doc, with the participation of numerous local leaders. This is a province-level festival, and this year marks the 100th time this traditional folk festival has been held in the coastal town of Song Doc, Ca Mau Province.
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A large number of fishing boats set out towards the Song Doc Estuary to perform the whale worshipping ritual (whale procession and invocation). |
With the theme "The National Intangible Cultural Heritage — 100 Years of Formation and Development of the Song Doc Whale Worshipping in Ca Mau", the 2025 Song Doc Whale Worshipping Festival is taking place from March 11 to 17.
This event also features various activities such as an exhibition displaying images, documents, and artifacts related to the national intangible cultural heritage of the Song Doc Whale Worshipping Festival, combined with extracurricular programmes; ritual performances of the whale procession at the Song Doc Estuary; an official recognition of Song Doc Town as a model civilised urban area; a trade fair linked to the OCOP (One Commune One Product) Programme; and other cultural, artistic, and sports activities.
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An art performance at the opening ceremony for the festival on March 13. |
According to Nguyen The Chau, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tran Van Thoi District, the series of activities for the 2025 Song Doc Whale Worshipping Festival aims to preserve, protect, and promote the values of this national intangible cultural heritage.
The festival honours the cultural traditions and beautiful folk beliefs of coastal communities while fulfilling the spiritual and religious needs of local fishermen.
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The Whale Worshipping Festival is an annual festival held in the coastal town of Song Doc, which has now reached its 100th year. This town is also the largest and most bustling coastal settlement in Ca Mau Province. |
