The Can Gio Whale Worshiping Festival is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam in 2013. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Culture and Sports)

“This year, the activities are the same as in previous years. Floating lanterns will be released on the sea, followed by street stilt performances,” she said. 

Whale worshiping festival is a cultural tradition in Vietnam where coastal communities express gratitude to the Whale God for protection at sea and pray for a successful fishing season. 

The highlights are the Whale Greeting Ceremony on the sea on the morning of October 7, a visit to the Sac Forest Martyrs Cemetery, the flag-raising ceremony, a ritual to worship community contributors, and art programs.

There will also be the 4th Green Marathon, an exhibition on 112 years of formation and development of the Whale Festival, a seafood culinary event, and performances of traditional opera, amateur music, lion and dragon dance, art kites, paragliding, light flycams, and fireworks.