On February 18 (the 2nd day of Binh Ngo Tet 2026), many fishermen, including people working in the sea in Phan Ri Cua commune, organized a spring opening ceremony to go to sea.
According to fishermen, this is a good day to open the sea at the beginning of the year with the desire for a new year of smooth sailing and favorable fishing.
From early morning, Mr. Nguyen Hoa prepared a worshiping ceremony for the boat he has been attached to for many years. At Chi Cong wharf, he displayed flowers, cakes, coconuts, salt rice... to perform the worshiping ritual, then went down to the sea to dive to "get blessings" at the beginning of the year.
Mr. Hoa said that every year fishermen choose good days, combined with high tide times to set sail, praying for peace and prosperous business. Last year, the weather was unfavorable, income was affected, so he even more expects a favorable weather in the new year.
Not only fishermen go to sea, the seaport area is also bustling from early morning. Many seafood buyers are present to "open business" for good luck.
Although the output of shellfish is not much, the wholesalers still quickly purchased at a price of about 60,000 VND/kg, but still not enough goods.
The atmosphere at the beginning of the year is bustling, buyers and sellers are all excited, sending hope for a bumper sea season.
According to folk beliefs, choosing the day to depart at the beginning of the year, especially for fishermen, has the meaning of praying for good luck and prosperity throughout the year. Therefore, the sea opening ceremony is not only a traditional ritual but also expresses the belief in a warm and prosperous new year.
