Buzz
Hoi An city is not only known for its picturesque landscapes and delectable cuisine but is also mentioned as the city of festivals, an unmissable tourist destination, embodying a beauty rooted in cultural awareness.
1. Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu Ceremony
The Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu Ceremony occurs on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month every year at the Phước Kiến Assembly Hall in Hoi An, Quang Nam province. Originating from the beliefs of ancient Chinese merchants, the ceremony aims to commemorate and express gratitude to the goddess Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, who consistently aids seafarers in times of distress, storms, and turbulent seas, ensuring peace for ships and boats.
The formal ceremony kicks off from 9 am to 10 am in the morning with the resonant sound of three drum bells echoing far and wide. Visitors will witness the solemn procession of participants lining up in strict order in front of the Thien Hau temple, offering incense. The elderly and esteemed officials lead the way, bowing three times, with the eldest taking the front to inspect the arranged offerings, recite ritual verses. Subsequently, both descendants and tourists alike approach to light incense, express wishes, seek blessings, and good fortune from Thien Hau. After the ritual, a ceremonial knife is thrust into the roasted pig, sprinkled with a pinch of salt, followed by a feast to treat visiting guests and fellow locals gathered for the occasion.
Visitors explore the festival to delve into and discover more about the cultural nuances, customs, and traditions of the Chinese people during this festive event.
2. The Feast of Lady Thu Bon
This annual festival takes place on the 12th day of the lunar month in Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. Tourists flock to the festival to immerse themselves in the lively and vibrant atmosphere from the dreamy early morning until the nightfall. The purpose of the festival is to commemorate Lady Thu Bon, also known as Madame Bo Bo, a Champa woman who brought agriculture and fisheries to the locals in this area.
The festival comprises rituals, a spirited boat racing competition, a vibrant procession, and traditional folk games such as rhythmic singing at Thu Bon River, human flag, water splashing competition, baking, water-carrying competition, tug of war, archery, bamboo basket boat racing, and a culinary fair featuring delicious ethnic dishes of the Champa and Co Tu ethnic groups.
Visitors come to the festival to immerse themselves in the local customs and participate in captivating activities like traditional opera singing, campfire lighting, floating lanterns on the river, and a torchlight parade.
3. Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a prominent destination in Hoi An, not only showcasing the vibrant colors of the traditional craft but also embodying diverse cultural facets.
The festival is held on the 10th day of the lunar new year, attracting people from all around to Thanh Ha – the renowned pottery village, to express gratitude to ancestors and seek blessings for a peaceful year, the prosperity of the craft village, and the economic advancement of the locals.
From the early morning, the main solemn ceremony with the procession of the divine master's entourage paraded through various streets. The formation of unicorns, lions, ritual objects, the eight-tone orchestra, the palanquin of the divine master, and the palanquin of ceramic fragrances were accompanied by 100 male and female attendants walking from the Nam Dieu Temple to the Thanh Chiem Temple for the ritual, a place of worship that honors the great virtues of the craft ancestors. After the ritual part, everyone enjoyed fun games such as carrying the princess to the palace, outstanding merchant driving, pottery polishing competition, making clay puppets, cooking rice in clay pots, blindfolded drumming, and more.
When tourists visit Hoi An, they often explore the Thanh Ha pottery village festival for moments of enjoyable and interesting relaxation.
4. Cau Bong Festival
Hoi An tourism on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month annually in the Tra Que vegetable village, Cam Ha commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, visitors can participate in the Cau Bong festival. With the same meaning as praying for a new year of abundant crops, favorable weather, harmony, peace, and happiness for the villagers. The ritual offering must include a castrated rooster holding a flower in its mouth, a bamboo knife inserted on its back, five plates of vivid red gac fruit, and a glass of white wine.
In addition to the ritual, there are numerous enjoyable activities such as earth-plowing competitions for vegetable cultivation, making a special dish of shrimp with fragrant Tra Que herbs—a delicacy often served to guests visiting the village—and contests for seaweed harvesting and fertilizing vegetable roots.
The Cau Bong Festival in Tra Que vegetable village has now become a magnet for many tourists, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural craftsmanship of the village and fostering harmony among its residents.
5. Long Chu Procession
The festival takes place on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month in the seaside village of Hoi An town. It is an occasion for the local residents to bid farewell to epidemics and illnesses during the seasonal transition. The festival features the Long Chu procession (dragon boat), a majestic symbol crafted from bamboo and cloth, transported from the temple to the water's edge, where it is pushed onto boats and set adrift in the open sea.
Before the festival day, the master monk places incense and performs rituals to ward off evil spirits. Following him is a group of young men and women, armed with polished staffs, clearing away dust from the village streets. They sing joyfully, creating a lively and fresh atmosphere. On the main festival day, the master conducts both the ritual ceremony and a dragon boat procession to dispel negative energies around the village. The festival includes traditional singing, folk games, and joyous festivities.
6. Yen Ancestral Commemoration
Every year, on the 9th and 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, the people of Tien Hiep island - Cu Lao Cham in Hoi An organize a festival to pay homage, seeking tranquility and remembering the predecessors who made significant contributions to the swiftlet nest industry.
The festival day boasts diverse activities such as ancestral worship, a lively fishing village carnival, boat tug-of-war on the sea, boat racing, blindfolded pot smashing, Cù Lao night carnival, and a culinary market featuring numerous delicious specialties in Cu Lao Cham. Visitors can also savor unique egg-soaked wines, precious marine products like sea cucumbers, and fragrant abalone.
Visit the festival in Hoi An city to create unforgettable memories, enrich your understanding of traditional folk customs from the past, and undoubtedly make a lasting impression on your Hoi An travel journey.
