Fishermen believe that whales rescue people in distress at sea and accompany them to safety.
The festival is a time for the fishermen to honour the whale and a time to pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness for the whole community.
Nghinh Ong is also celebrated in other coastal provinces around the country.
Others festivals recognised as intangible cultural heritages include the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda festival in the northern province of Bac Giang, the Phu Day festival in northern Nam Dinh province, the Ba Trao singing in central Quang Nam province and the sedge mat weaving trade in the southern province of Dong Thap.
VNA
