1. Nha Trang Sea Festival
Held every two years in the summer (since 2003), the Sea Festival is Nha Trang's largest cultural and tourism event. The festival lasts 4-5 days with a series of activities: the Fishing Festival, scientific seminars, art exhibitions, folk games, beach sports competitions, and spectacular fireworks displays. This is an opportunity to promote the image of Nha Trang's people and culture to international friends.
2. Hung Temple Festival
Taking place on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month at Hung Vuong Temple (Ngo Gia Tu Street), the festival commemorates the nation-building contributions of the Hung Kings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere with the procession, incense offerings, and prayers for national peace and prosperity.
3. Whale Festival (Ong Nam Hai Festival)
Nha Trang fishermen revere whales – considered the "guardian angels" of the sea. The festival takes place at the Ông Mausoleum with rituals such as temple offerings, prayers for favorable weather, traditional boat dances and singing, and many folk performances. This is a unique maritime cultural feature, usually lasting from 5 to 7 days.
4. The Fishing Festival
Originating from the custom of worshipping the Whale God, the Fishing Festival takes place in February or March of the lunar calendar, lasting 3 days and nights. Rituals such as the procession of the sacred statue, the welcoming of the Whale God, boat dances, the main sacrificial ceremony, and the sending off of the Na (a type of fish) create a lively atmosphere, expressing the fishermen's belief and aspirations for a bountiful fishing season.
5. The Monkey Festival (Hoa Quả Sơn)
Held on Monkey Island – Hòn Lao in June every year, the festival carries a message of environmental protection and ecosystem preservation. Visitors can participate in the sea procession, watch monkey circus performances, boat races, and enjoy a grand fruit feast with hundreds of monkeys.
6. Nha Trang Bird's Nest Festival
Held on the 10th day of the 5th lunar month at Hon Noi Bird's Nest Island, this festival honors the traditional bird's nest farming and harvesting industry. Activities include a ceremony to pay tribute to ancestors, music and dance performances, boat races, exhibitions of bird's nest products, and especially a tour of the bird's nest island – where the birds naturally nest.
7. Am Chua (Thien Y A Na) Festival
Taking place from the 1st to the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month at the Am Chua historical site (Dien Dien commune), this festival commemorates the goddess Thien Y A Na – the Lady of the Land. Activities include rituals, flower offerings, lion dances, traditional folk singing, and many folk games, reflecting the Mother Goddess worship characteristic of Khanh Hoa.
8. Ponagar Tower Festival
Held from the 20th to the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month at the Ponagar Tower historical site, this festival commemorates the goddess of the Land and has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The rituals include incense offerings, bathing of statues, dances dedicated to the goddess, traditional opera performances, and boat races, attracting a large number of devotees and tourists.
9. Nha Trang International Yacht Festival
Held every two years in July, the festival brings together dozens of yacht clubs from over 20 countries. Highlights include sailing races, an international food festival, art exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. This is an international-scale event, affirming Nha Trang's position on the map of coastal tourism.
10. Festivals and Shows at VinWonders Nha Trang
In addition to traditional festivals, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders with many modern shows: Tata Show (live performance), water music, bird circus, dolphin and seal performances. This is a world-class entertainment destination suitable for the whole family.
👉 Conclusion
Festivals in Nha Trang not only hold cultural and religious value but also serve as a bridge to promote the image of the coastal city to international friends. From traditional festivals associated with the lives of fishermen to modern events, Nha Trang always offers tourists rich, unique, and unforgettable experiences.
