The festival was solemnly organised at the shrine of Hamlet 2, located at the foot of the national flagpole on Thanh Lan Island. The shrine is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, local Mountain and Sea Deities, and the ancestors who pioneered the island and safeguarded its seas and communities on Thanh Lan Island, Co To in earlier times.

As a traditional festival rich in the maritime cultural identity of the Northeastern region, the festival attracts local residents and numerous visitors at the beginning of each year.

The traditional rites conducted at the shrine’s gate have been preserved and passed down through generations.

After the ceremony at the shrine, participants joined a procession from the shrine to Thanh Lan Pier. Leading the procession were young men carrying ceremonial flags and oars.

The procession stretched along the route to the pier, symbolising a spiritual journey from sacred space to the open sea, reflecting the community’s trust in nature and the ocean.

At the pier, offerings were presented to Nam Hai Dai Vuong, followed by the Nghinh Than ritual to pray for favourable weather and abundant catches in the new fishing season.

Immediately afterwards, a symbolic boat departure ceremony was held, marking the start of a new fishing cycle.

Festival flags flying at the bows of boats represented not only the festive spirit but also the determination and aspirations of Co To’s fishermen to venture offshore, maintain their livelihoods at sea and safeguard their maritime domain.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Sea-Opening Festival is also an occasion to honour the distinctive cultural values of Thanh Lan’s coastal community in Co To Special Zone, while promoting the island’s people, culture and tourism potential.

By Minh Ha