The ceremonies  were conducted solemnly in accordance with traditional customs. (Photo: VOV)

Visitors to the festival which was held in Hamlet no.2 on Thanh Lan island, offered incense to the deities to pray for a prosperous, happy new year and for fishermen to sail safely and return with big catches.

A fisherman from Thanh Lan island said: “We came here to pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and good fortunes for fishermen at sea. The Co To People’s Committee has renovated the temple to better serve fishermen's spiritual needs.”

At the festival, an incense-offering ceremony and a seal-opening ceremony were solemnly conducted to pray for new opportunities and blessings from the sea. They were followed by a procession and a ceremonial release to pray for happiness in the new year. These rituals also help raise awareness about protecting Vietnam's marine environment, restoring aquatic resources, developing the marine economy, preserving marine resources, and safeguarding Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands.

Nguyen Hai Linh, head of the Co To Special Zone's bureau for culture and social affairs, said: “The festival is not just about praying for peace and favorable weathers, but also about welcoming tourists to Co To. We hope that the sea will remain calm and gentle, so that tourists can come to us safely and conveniently."