On the morning of September 6th, the Nghinh Ong delegation traveled through many streets in Phan Thiet ward, Lam Dong province. Festival flags fluttered, drums and music harmonized with lion and dragon dances and traditional costumes, creating a unique cultural space in the coastal city.
Assembly halls parade flower cars, disguised as legendary characters. On both sides of the road, thousands of people and tourists stand to watch, creating a bustling atmosphere for the festival.
Trung Nguyen Kien Tieu Festival, also known as Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Festival, is held periodically every 2 years in Phan Thiet ward. This is a long-standing religious activity of the Chinese community in Phan Thiet, associated with the spiritual life of coastal residents and the desire for peace, convenience, and favorable weather.
This year, the festival is organized by Chinese Assembly Halls in coordination with Phan Thiet Ward People's Committee. This is also the first time the festival has taken place after implementing 2-level local government and merging administrative units.
The special feature of the festival is the participation of many Chinese communities belonging to the Hainan, Fujian, Guangdong and Chaozhou dialect groups. Ancient pavilions bring unique customs, rituals, community activities and cultural nuances, together creating a diverse Chinese cultural picture in Phan Thiet land.
This year, the festival also has the participation of many Chinese communities and associations from Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to enriching the activities.
Mr. Tran Chan Khon, Head of Quan De Mieu Management Board, Standing Deputy Head of the Festival Committee, said that Nghinh Ong is a long-standing traditional festival of the Chinese community in Phan Thiet.
This is an occasion to commemorate, worship and honor the merits of Quan Thanh De Quan, and at the same time show the cultural life, beliefs and traditional values preserved and passed down by generations.
Not only carrying religious meaning, the festival also becomes an opportunity for associations, unions and the Chinese community to meet, exchange, and strengthen solidarity with local people.
From the religious activities of the Chinese community, the Nghinh Ong Festival is increasingly becoming a unique cultural event of Phan Thiet, contributing to preserving traditional values and introducing the cultural beauty of the coastal city to people and tourists.
