Cau Ngu Festival in Canh Duong Village – Where Fishermen Entrust Their Faith to the Ocean Waves

Canh Duong is not only a coastal village but also a land with a rich history, founded in the year of Quy Mui (1634). The first residents from Nghe An and Thanh Hoa migrated here, established the village, built their careers, and tied their lives to arduous yet pride-filled voyages out to sea.  

Throughout history, the people of Canh Duong have been famous not only for their tradition of studiousness and academic achievement, but also for their ardent love for the sea. From boats returning at dawn filled with fish and shrimp, to the renowned fish sauce craft once presented to the king – all bear witness to the diligence, talent, and courage of the local people.  

In their spiritual life, Lord Whale (Ca Ong) is considered a guardian deity, always appearing in time to help the children of the sea when in distress. Whenever a whale passes away and washes ashore, the villagers hold a funeral, erect a shrine, and perform annual worship rituals to express their gratitude.  

Since 1809, when the first Lady Whale washed ashore in Canh Duong, the locals established a shrine. By 1907, another giant whale appeared and was brought to Ngu Linh Shrine for worship. Since then, the Cau Ngu Festival has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the locals here, serving both as an expression of gratitude and a display of unity and determination to hold fast to the sea and protect the homeland.  

As dawn breaks over the sea, Canh Duong fishing village comes alive with preparations. The sounds of drums and gongs echo, signaling the sacred moment is near. Groups of people, from experienced old fishermen to young men, all dressed neatly, carry offerings toward Ngu Linh Shrine and An Cau Ngu Temple.  

The offering tray presented to the Sea God is elaborately prepared with incense, flowers, wine, betel nut, banh chung, banh tet, along with the freshest seafood caught by the fishermen. Amidst swirling clouds of incense smoke, the village elder reads the funeral oration in a resonant voice, respectfully offering prayers to the deities for calm seas, safe voyages, abundant harvests, and prosperity for all.  

Following the reverent worship ritual, the festival atmosphere brightens up with the "ho cheo can" (dry rowing chant) ritual – a unique art form simulating the fishermen's journey out to sea. Six strong young men play the roles of crew members, rowing rhythmically to the deep, majestic chanting tunes. Each stroke of the oar and each line of the song reenact the scene of braving fierce waves, reflecting the aspiration to conquer the ocean passed down through generations.  

Beyond that, the festival is also an occasion for villagers to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural atmosphere with graceful flower dances, lively tug-of-war matches, and thrilling boat races. In particular, the folk chants of the Quang region resonate across the vast sky, echoing like the heartfelt voices of the children of the ocean, carrying numerous aspirations and emotions into every beat.  

Not only known for the Cau Ngu Festival deeply rooted in coastal identity, Canh Duong also attracts tourists with captivating destinations where culture and nature blend seamlessly in every landscape.

The Mural Street is like an open-air art museum, where vivid 3D paintings depict the history of the coastal village, the lives of fishermen, boats brave enough to face waves, and the sacred image of Lord Whale – a symbol of faith and protection.

Away from the hustle and bustle of life, Canh Duong beach welcomes visitors with stretches of fine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and absolute peace. This is an ideal place to camp overnight, listen to the whispering waves, and gaze up at the starry night sky.

A journey to explore Canh Duong would be incomplete without a visit to Ngu Linh Shrine – a spiritual site associated with mystical stories of Lord Whale. This is where fishermen place their faith, praying for calm seas and gentle waves before setting sail, preserving the long-standing traditions of this beloved coastal region. 

 Amidst the flow of time, the Cau Ngu Festival is not merely a religious ritual, but also the pride of the coastal people, testifying to their deep love for the sea and the resilient spirit of generations of Vietnamese fishermen.  

If you have the chance to visit Quang Binh during the first lunar month, don't miss out on participating in the Cau Ngu Festival – a convergence of cultural, spiritual, and resilient values of coastal fishermen. Beyond the festival, Quang Binh boasts countless fascinating destinations such as Phong Nha - Ke Bang Cave, Nhat Le Beach, Mooc Spring, and Dark Cave – majestic natural wonders waiting for you to discover. Sovaba Travel will help you plan a complete itinerary for your journey to Quang Binh, from booking nature exploration tours to enjoying local cuisine. Contact Sovaba Travel today for consultations and custom tour designs tailored to your wishes, ensuring you have the most complete and memorable experiences in Quang Binh!