The annual festival, held on the 10th day of the fourth lunar month, attracted large crowds from the Vĩnh Lợi 1, Vĩnh Lợi 2 and Vĩnh Lợi 3 hamlets, along with visitors from across the region. It is regarded as one of the largest and most vibrant traditional festivals among coastal communities in Gia Lai province.
This year’s event combined solemn rituals with festive cultural activities. Key ceremonies included inspections of the ossuaries containing the remains of the Whale God, the Nguyễn Dynasty conferment ritual, a sea procession welcoming the Nam Hải deity to the temple, the “tĩnh sinh” ritual, offering ceremonies and an opening performance.
Traditional folk performances, including “bả trạo” singing and sword dances, were staged to honor the Nam Hải deity, believed by local fishermen to embody the Whale God, and to express gratitude for protection at sea.
The festival also featured a series of community games and competitions, including basket boat spinning, dragon boat racing, blindfolded duck catching and sack races. Traditional “hát bội” opera performances are scheduled nightly from May 26 to 30, corresponding to the 10th to 14th days of the fourth lunar month.
According to local tradition, the Vĩnh Lợi fishing community organizes two Whale Worship Festivals each year, one on the 10th day of the first lunar month at the main Whale Temple and another on the 10th day of the fourth lunar month at the Ancestral Temple.
The ceremonies are dedicated to the Nam Hải deity, with fishermen praying for peace, favorable weather and safe, abundant fishing seasons.