Fishermen in Nghe An province race boats to celebrate the New Year.
On the morning of the second day of Tet (January 30th), thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Lach Corn estuary in Quynh Phuong ward, Hoang Mai town, to watch and cheer on the traditional boat racing festival.
This year, the boat racing festival features 11 teams with over 260 athletes from various neighborhoods in the ward. The athletes are experienced fishermen with excellent physical fitness and rowing skills, carefully selected to compete. Before Tet (Lunar New Year), they trained diligently with the hope of bringing victory to their team.
At 8 a.m., the tide rose, the river was full, and the sound of drums and boisterous cheers filled the air, welcoming the teams into the competition. The strong oarsmen, in perfect rhythm, worked together to propel their boats swiftly across the water. The race became dramatic as some teams, initially behind, surged ahead in the final sprint to take the lead.
"Watching the boat race is so much fun. Seeing the fishermen powerfully rowing and showing off their strength makes the audience cheer until their voices are hoarse. Every year, around this time, when we go to worship, we eagerly wait to watch this New Year's race," said Mr. Nguyen Ho Trung, a tourist from Quynh Luu district.
Watching the races from start to finish, Mr. Nguyen Van Ky, 60 years old, a resident of Quynh Phuong ward, said that he has never missed watching the boat races, because it is a childhood memory for him in particular and for the residents of this coastal area in general; it is an indispensable spiritual treat for the people of this coastal region.
Quynh Phuong is a famous coastal ward in Hoang Mai town, where most residents are engaged in fishing. The ward has 774 boats of various sizes, which are an integral part of their lives. The festival, held at the beginning of spring since ancient times, symbolizes a prayer for a prosperous new year for fishermen, with "smooth sailing and abundant catches."
According to the leaders of Quynh Phuong Ward People's Committee, this traditional festival is always maintained by the local government to create a recreational space for local people, allowing fishermen to bond, unite, and show enthusiasm after a year of hard work. In addition, it is also an activity aimed at attracting tourists during the Lunar New Year.