1. About the My Long Sea Worship Festival 

The My Long Sea Worship Festival (also known locally as Lễ hội Cúng biển Mỹ Long) is a critical maritime heritage event held annually in My Long Town, Cau Ngang District, Tra Vinh Province. Recognizing a century-old tradition of the local fishing community, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially designated it a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The festival honors Ca Ong (the Whale God), who serves as the spiritual guardian of fishermen operating offshore. Beyond its spiritual significance, the event represents the resilience and cultural identity of one of the oldest and most prominent fishing villages in the Mekong Delta.

2. Key Activities

The event operates on a strict three-day schedule from the 10th to the 12th of the 5th Lunar month, featuring highly formalized rituals:

• Sea Procession (Nghinh Nam Hai): The primary ritual where a large, culturally decorated fishing fleet sails out to the open sea. Village elders perform specific rites on the lead boat to formally invite the Whale God's spirit back to the shore.
• Formal Temple Worship: Conducted at the local Ba Chua Xu Temple, which coordinates the Whale God's altar. It involves the Chanh Te (Main Offering) and classical Hat Boi (Vietnamese Opera) performances, functioning strictly as spiritual offerings rather than public entertainment.
• The "Tống Tàu" Ritual (The sending off of ships ): On the final day, a meticulously crafted model boat filled with symbolic offerings is released into the sea, a ceremonial act to carry away bad luck and secure an abundant, safe fishing season.

• Local Gatherings: Traditional physical competitions among fishermen, alongside community feasts that reinforce the solidarity of the My Long coastal workforce.

3. Travel Tips & Etiquette 

To fully comprehend the logistical and cultural framework of the festival, visitors should adhere to the following:

• Time and Location: The main rituals occur in My Long Town, Cau Ngang District. Plan your logistics to arrive early on the 10th of the 5th Lunar month, as the coastal roads and the main temple area experience heavy traffic.

• Protocol at the Temple: The Ba Chua Xu Temple is an active, solemn worship space. Wear conservative clothing, maintain silence during the Chanh Te rituals, and do not disrupt the elders leading the incense offerings.
• Local Culinary Navigation: Use this opportunity to engage directly with the local economy. My Long is historically famous for its marine products; skip commercial tourist traps and purchase dried seafood directly from the fishing families near the Ben Day market area for authentic quality.