Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairwoman of Soc Trang Provincial People’s Committee Huynh Thi Diem Ngoc said that the festival aims to advertise the land, culture and people of Soc Trang to people from near and far.
The festival also seeks to preserve and promote the cultural values of Khmer ethnic people and tighten solidarity among ethnic groups throughout the province.
The three-day event features various activities imbued with the culture of the local Khmer ethnic group, such as a moon worshipping ritual, a lantern-release ceremony on the Maspero River, a cuisine festival and a fair displaying typical agricultural products of Soc Trang Province.
A singing contest, a photo exhibition and business matching events are also scheduled during the festival.
The festival's highlight is a ‘ngo’ boat race, which takes place from November 26-27, as a traditional ritual to see off the God of Water after the growing season.
The race witnessed the competition between 46 teams from Soc Trang, Can Tho, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces.
