The largest event, the Trà Ổ Lagoon Traditional Boat Racing Tournament 2026, held for the Agribank Cup and hosted by Phù Mỹ Bắc Commune, will take place on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year on Trà Ổ Lagoon.
Ten teams, six men’s and four women’s, from surrounding communes will compete in single-round races. Men will race four laps (eight legs), while women compete over three laps (six legs), with each lap stretching 500 metres.
Ahead of the main event, Phù Mỹ Bắc will hold its own commune-level race on the second day of the New Year, featuring eight teams representing the hamlets of Hòa Tân, An Giang Đông, An Giang Tây, and Châu Trúc.
In recent days, teams have intensified training on the lagoon, inspecting boats on auspicious days, tuning equipment and synchronising paddling rhythm. “We started training early because we’re also competing at the commune level”, said Nguyễn Văn Đường of Hòa Tân Hamlet’s Team No. 7. He added that contributions from young residents working away from home help fund equipment upgrades.
According to Trần Phúc Huy, Vice Chairman of the commune People’s Committee, the traditional race is co-organised by Phù Mỹ Bắc, Phù Mỹ Đông and Bình Dương, with hosting duties expected to rotate annually. He said local authorities have strengthened communications and refined technical regulations to ensure fairness and smooth organisation.
Alongside Trà Ổ Lagoon, the Gò Bồi River Traditional Boat Racing Festival in Tuy Phước Đông Commune will also return on the afternoon of the second day of the New Year at the Gò Bồi River. Events include men’s and women’s single-oar 400-metre races, a 1,600-metre men’s team event, and an 800-metre women’s team race.
The Gò Bồi festival, deeply rooted in the region’s river and lagoon culture, has long served as a space for residents to gather, reconnect and celebrate after a year of labour. For many working afar, it remains a cherished link to their hometown.
Nguyễn Thị Phương Trúc, originally from Bình Lâm Hamlet and currently working in Ho Chi Minh City, said photos and videos of preparations online inspired her to return home again this year. “I’ve even invited a friend to join me so they can experience the spirit and cultural beauty of our homeland”, she said.
Both festivals highlight how traditional boat racing continues to reinforce community bonds while promoting the region’s cultural identity each New Year.