14
Nov

Phu Quoc Events & Traditions

Like special events everywhere in Vietnam, the local festival days based on the lunar calender falling on August 27th at Nguyen Trung Truc Temple, 19th at Dinh Ba Ong Lang and 15th and 16th at the Water General’s Tomb. Tourists should never wear short dresses, skirts, and sleeveless shirts when visiting temples in Vietnam in general as it is considered offense to the traditional spirit.
Nguyen Trung Truc Festival
This festival has been held annually since 1996, when the Nguyen Trung Truc Temple was built in the commune. The festival plays an important role in the local life to preserve and promote the traditional and cultural values of the nation, to honor the merits of the predecessors who sacrificed for the national cause against foreign invaders. The organization of the festival also reflects the tradition of Vietnamese, and helps educate the present and future generations on Revolutionary tradition… From the 27th of August on the lunar calendar every year, there are many people from all over the island, including tourists who go to the temple of Nguyen Trung Truc in Ganh Dau commune, 40km far from the center of Phu Quoc to attend the festival.
The ceremony is solemnly held to ensure the traditional ritual of the nation. The festival, main part of the whole, mainly organized with theatrical programs and outdoor games to reflect the history and image of Nguyen Trung Truc the hero.
Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival
Dinh Ba Ong Lang is located 7km from Duong Dong town center, about 1km from the road to Dinh Ba.
The number of visitors to Dinh Ba festival is growing in recent years. According to the local people, Dinh Ba Ong Lang reflects the belief of people on the island in Mrs. Kim Giao, wife of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc, that she will bring good health and happiness for the people on the island. Every year, on the 18th and 19th of the first lunar month, people come to this palace to  incense, and pray for safety and favourable weather. Couples also come here to wish for a lifetime of staying together.
Nghing Ong Festival
History: The festival is the worship of whales associated with the custom of worshiping fish which is very popular from Ngang Pass back to Ha Tien and Phu Quoc Island.
It is the biggest fish festival of fishermen. That “fish” is a sacred creature and a savior to fishermen in the sea. This has become a common belief among fishermen in these localities. In each locality, the festival takes place at a different time.
Ceremony part: Along the way of the parade, fishermen arrange offerings and incense. There are hundreds of small and big boats with splendid decor to escort “Ông”. Small boats are used to carry thousands of guests and locals attending the procession.
Sacrifice part: Solemn ceremony after the ceremony parts with many rituals. All of them are held at the tomb of Water General.
Festival part: Before the festival, hundreds of fishing boats decorated with flags and flowers anchored on the river. During the festival, fishermen often invite each other, including guests to eat together, have fun, and talk.