The expected time is from December 27, 2025 to January 1, 2026. The venue is concentrated in the Song Hau Park area (Cai Khe ward), Ben Ninh Kieu Park (Ninh Kieu ward) and neighboring areas.
The opening program will start at 6:30 p.m. on December 27, 2025 with the "Rature of the River" parade on the Hau River and central routes.
The boat boat raft is decorated brilliantly with performances of courtly folk songs, contemporary dances, and lion and dragon dance, bringing a bustling festival atmosphere, honoring the beauty of Western culture.
The opening art program at Ninh Kieu Wading Bridge - Benh Park will be broadcast live from 8:00 p.m. the same day, recreating activities, beliefs, cuisine and the image of the floating market - a symbol of the river culture of the Western region. In particular, the floating market culture (Cai Rang, Nga Nam, Nga Bay) will be introduced as a unique symbol, contributing to promoting the image of Can Tho tourism.
In particular, the drone show and low-altitude fireworks will take place at 9:00 p.m., combining music and lighting performances to recreate images depicting cultural features, traditional values; typical heritages and architecture of Can Tho City and future development orientations.
During the festival, Can Tho organized many rich activities such as art programs serving visitors every night, photo exhibition "Living on the river - Western region in the past and present"; decorating models and miniature landscapes; sailing races, Sup boat races; displaying and introducing OCOP products; culinary promotions; waterway tourism stimulus programs and river environmental protection activities.
According to the People's Committee of Can Tho City, the festival aims to create a highlight to celebrate the New Year 2026, bringing a joyful atmosphere, improving the spiritual life of the people; promoting the unique cultural features of the Mekong Delta and Can Tho City, contributing to raising awareness of environmental protection and sustainable tourism development. The event also aims to expand domestic and international river tour linkages, diversify cultural and tourism activities, and promote economic and social development.
