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Coming to the coastal city, besides admiring the beautiful natural scenery, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the unique festivals in Nha Trang associated with the spirit and beliefs of the local people. Through this article, Vietnampeace will bring you the experience, feeling of surprise and interest in discovering this poetic coastal city.
Whale Festival in Nha Trang
For the coastal folks in Nha Trang, whales have long been gentle and rare sea creatures, often aiding fishermen in times of trouble at sea. That’s why they’re highly revered and respected. Locals avoid directly calling them by their name and instead refer to them as “Mr. Whale” or “Lord of the Southern Sea.”
To show their respect, they go as far as building shrines (Whale Temples) and organizing an annual Whale Festival in Nha Trang with utmost sincerity and solemnity.
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| The Whale Festival is one of the unique features of the Nha Trang Festival (Photo collection) |
The Whale Festival in Nha Trang features activities like:
- Ritual ceremonies pray for favorable weather, calm seas, and the protection of fishermen, ensuring smooth sailing, abundant catches, and peace.
- Traditional dance performances mark the end of the rituals and kick off the communal singing festival (which can last 5-7 days).
- Fun and unique folk games and performances.
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| Features of Nha Trang Whale Festival (Collected photos) |
Time: On the day of the whale’s death and two spring and autumn ceremonies.
Location: Whale Temple, Nha Trang City.
It’s a beautiful and culturally rich celebration that brings the community together to honor and celebrate their special connection with these magnificent creatures.
Ponagar Festival at Thap Ba Nha Trang
The Ponagar Festival in Nha Trang goes by various names like “Ponagar Festival,” “Thien Ya Na Holy Mother Festival,” or “Lady’s Day Celebration.” The festival honors the goddess of the Land, who played Landucial role in establishing the land, preservingLand lineage, discovering rice, and teaching the people agricultural techniques.
Moreover, this traditional festival in Nha Trang has been recognized as part of the national intangible cultural heritage since 2012.
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| Singing and dancing festival at Ponagar Tower (Photo collection) |
Key activities during the Ponagar Festival:
1. Offering incense, candles, flowers, and fruits.
2. Ritual bathing of the statue and changing of attire.
3. Traditional dance in homage to the goddess.
4. Boat racing.
5. Evening traditional opera performances.
Time: Annually from the 20th to the 23rd of the third lunar month.
Location: Ponagar Tower Complex – Vinh Phuoc Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang City.
It’s a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in tradition, showcasing cultural practices that have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished by the community.
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| Ball dancing is a typical folk dance of the Ponagar Tower Festival. (Photo collection) |
In addition, visitors can also admire the cultural activities, performing arts, exhibitions, exhibitions bearing the unique characteristics of the Ponagar Tower Festival, characterized by the Cham people.
Hung Temple Festival
When we hear about the Den Hung Festival, our minds often drift to Phu Tho province. However, Nha Trang also hosts a festival to commemorate the history of our Vietnamese ancestors.
Attending the Den Hung Festival in Nha Trang, visitors have the opportunity to:
1. Participate in a procession and offer flowers and incense as a gesture of gratitude to our ancestors and to pray for the nation’s prosperity and people’s well-being.
2. Immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere alongside the local community and city leaders.
Time: Annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month.
Location: Den Hung Vuong Temple, Ngo Gia Tu Street, Nha Trang City.
It’s a chance for both locals and tourists to connect with Vietnamese heritage, paying homage to the roots and history of the nation in a festive and respectful atmosphere.
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| Hung Temple Festival has its characteristics in Nha Trang festival towards the roots (Photo collection) |
Hung Temple Association in Nha Trang attracts visitors because of the sacredness of the roots and its unique cultural activities.
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| Hung Temple Festival has the participation of numerous people and visitors (Photo collection) |
The festival begins with an incense offering at Thuong Temple. In the costume, there were five-colored trays, banh chung, and a thick cake to remind the legend of Lang Lieu and to tell the merit of King Hung, who taught people to grow wet rice.
Nha Trang’s vibrant festivals offer a captivating blend of tradition, culture, and celebration. From the enchanting Whale Festival to the solemn Ponagar Festival and the historical Den Hung Festival, each event immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese heritage. As you partake in the lively rituals, witness breathtaking performances, and connect with the warm-hearted locals, you’ll find yourself not just attending festivals but becoming a part of the cultural mosaic that makes Nha Trang truly spectacular. So, pack your bags, embrace the festivities, and let the charm of Nha Trang’s festivals create lasting memories for a lifetime.