1. Nghinh Ong Festival
The Nghinh Ong Festival has ancient origins and is deeply rooted in the lives of coastal fishermen. It is considered the most important festival for fishing communities, although it may go by different names across regions.
The procession takes place in two stages: first, the ritual of welcoming the Whale God from the sea, and then escorting him to the temple. At sea, hundreds of boats and dragon boats join together to ceremoniously bring the Whale God ashore. Following that, a lively parade of people, lions, and dragons accompanies the deity to the temple.
Next comes the solemn worship ceremony. Finally, the community gathers to celebrate the successful completion of the festival. Every ritual is carried out with great reverence, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the fishermen and the Whale God. If you have the opportunity to attend this sea-worship festival, you're sure to experience something truly unique and unforgettable.
2. Nguyen Trung Truc Festival
Phu Quoc is not the only place with a temple dedicated to national hero Nguyen Trung Truc, but it is home to the largest one. The festival has been preserved and increasingly developed since 1996. Today, the Nguyen Trung Truc Festival is an indispensable cultural event for the people of Phu Quoc and Kien Giang Province. It is held at the temple located in Ganh Dau commune, Phu Quoc.
The festival usually takes place around the 27th day of the 8th lunar month and is divided into two main parts: the ceremonial rituals and the festive activities. The ceremony follows traditional rites to honor the hero who played a significant role in the struggle for national liberation. After the solemn rituals, the festive section begins, featuring folk games and cultural events that celebrate the life and legacy of Nguyen Trung Truc, including photo exhibitions, stage performances, and plays.
There are also vibrant entertainment activities like lion dances, sports competitions, local markets, and traditional folk games. The festival vividly showcases national identity and the rich cultural heritage of Phu Quoc.
3. Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival
Held annually on the 18th and 19th days of the first lunar month, the Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival commemorates the wife of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc. Locals organize the event to pray for health, peace, and prosperity. The Dinh Ba Ong Lang shrine is located about 7 km from Duong Dong town center. Every year, especially during the festival, a large number of locals come to pay their respects. Tourists also visit the site to participate in the spiritual rituals.
The festival is organized on a large scale, with different areas designated for worship, entertainment, and food, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for both worshippers and visitors.
4. Trai Dan Festival at Sung Hung Ancient Pagoda
Sung Hung is an ancient pagoda near Dinh Cau, built in traditional folk style. Inside, it houses various altars, including those dedicated to Lady Chua Xu, Quan Am Nam Hai, and Nguyen Trung Truc.
This is one of the largest and oldest pagodas on the island. Despite being constructed in the late 19th century, the temple has retained its distinctive character and sacred essence. Every year, on the 30th day of the 7th lunar month, the Trai Dan Grand Ceremony takes place here, featuring a range of solemn rituals such as Cong Phu, Thinh Tieu Dien Thuong Gian, and Dong Dan.
5. Dinh Than Duong Dong Festival
Held on the 10th and 11th days of the first lunar month, the Dinh Than Duong Dong Festival has become a deeply rooted cultural tradition for the local community. Each year, large crowds gather for this meaningful event, which honors those who first settled and developed the land.
Although it remains a local festival, it continues to grow in scale and significance, embodying the faith and unique cultural identity of the coastal people. Besides praying for blessings, attendees can also enjoy traditional performances by islanders. It is a perfect occasion for both local and international visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.
6. Traditional Boat Racing Festival
The traditional boat racing festival in Phu Quoc is held annually and draws large crowds with its lively and competitive spirit. Tourism has helped this event grow in popularity and scale year after year. The race takes place at Dinh Cau Beach, turning the coastline into a bustling hub of excitement.
Teams from different regions compete fiercely for victory. Alongside the competitive spirit on the water is the energetic cheering from spectators onshore. Both locals and tourists are drawn to the vibrant atmosphere, making this not only a cultural celebration but also a great way to promote Phu Quoc’s maritime traditions and island tourism.
Other Festivals
In addition to the major festivals mentioned above, Phu Quoc also hosts a variety of other traditional celebrations, such as the Cua Can Communal House Festival (17th day of the 1st lunar month), An Thoi Communal House Festival (19th day of the 1st lunar month), Thuy Long Thanh Mau Festival (20th–21st days of the 2nd lunar month), O Bon Communal House Festival (27th day of the 2nd lunar month), Nam Hai Communal House Festival (21st day of the 3rd lunar month), Vu Lan Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month), Dinh Cau Festival (1st day of the 6th lunar month), Suoi Da Pagoda Festival (25th–26th of September), and Ganh Gio Pagoda Festival (26th–27th of September).
Clearly, Phu Quoc is a land rich in cultural identity, home to numerous traditional folk festivals that reflect its deep-rooted spiritual values and heritage.
