The Nghinh Ong (Whale Worship) festival in HCM City's coastal district of Can Gio will take place from September 5-10.

Organised in Long Hoa Commune's Can Thanh Town, the annual festival is held to show respect to whales, which rescue fishermen from danger.

Fishermen also honour their ancestors and pray for a bumper fish catch.

The festival will include a procession at sea and on land by local residents in traditional costumes.

A visit to Rung Sac Martyr Cemetery and the release of colourful lanterns on the sea at night will also be organised.

There will be folk games, sports and music performances as well as a Mid-Autumn Festival for local children and an exhibition featuring Viet Nam's borders and sea areas, and the Can Gio mangrove forest – a world biosphere reserve which was designated in 2000.

The festival, recognised as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the only fishermen festival in Can Gio District and attracts 30,000-40,000 tourists every year. — VNS