Thanh Hoa (VNA) – A ceremony was held in Ngu Loc commune, Hau Locdistrict, the central province of Thanh Hoa, on April 6 to kick off the Cau Ngu(Whale worshipping) festival and receive a certificate recognising it anational intangible cultural heritage.
Cau Ngu festival is a unique cultural feature of coastallocalities, which has been preserved and passed down through many generations.The festival is to pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace forthe nation.
The festival in Ngu Loc commune is considered the largest ofits kind not only in Thanh Hoa but also across north central localities,attracting thousands of visitors.
The main ritual in the festival is a procession of Long Chauboat from Bac Tho village to a platform at the commune’s stadium, where prayingwill be conducted every day during the festival.
On the last day of the festival, the Long Chau boat will beburned at the seaside.
Many festivities are also held during the event, includesquid catching and fishing net drawing competitions, a Chinese chess contest,and art performances.-VNA
VNA