The main ritual is to show gratitude to the Hoang Sa heroic soldiers who also managed Bac Hai in the past, and at the same time foster the awareness of preserving sea and island sovereignty in the community.
The Khao Le The Linh Hoang Sa ceremony is a folk ritual associated with the Hoang Sa team concurrently managing Bac Hai. The ceremony is held annually in February of the lunar calendar. This is a national intangible cultural heritage, imbued with historical and spiritual values.
According to the elders, the ceremony is to commemorate the heroic soldiers who obeyed orders to go to Hoang Sa and Truong Sa to plant markers and exploit products. Many people do not return. The ceremony therefore carries the meaning of "replacement", sending off spiritually for dangerous journeys.
Not only is it a belief, the ceremony also expresses gratitude and affirms sea and island sovereignty. Over time, the ritual has become a beautiful custom, contributing to educating patriotic traditions and preserving the cultural identity of Ly Son residents.
The festival also arouses the spirit of solidarity and the will to stick to the sea. Local fishermen continue to go offshore, both developing the economy and contributing to protecting sovereignty. This awareness has been preserved through many generations.
After the ceremony is the ritual of releasing sacred boats. Boats carrying wishes for peace, sent to the souls of Hoang Sa soldiers. The activity is imbued with human values, attracting a large number of people to participate.
The festival is associated with traditional four-spirit boat racing. Teams compete enthusiastically, showing solidarity. This is not only a folk sport but also sends wishes for favorable weather.
The Khao Le ceremony closed, but the aftertaste still spread. The ceremony continues the historical source, reminding of the responsibility to protect the sea and islands. From the ritual to the contest, everything shows the belief and will to protect the Fatherland's sovereignty.
