Folk culture practiced in every festival
Traditional festivals in Lam Dong’s coastal region are emerging as spaces where folk cultural values are preserved and shared with the community. From carrying fish baskets and weaving nets to bai choi singing and making banh chung and banh giay, these activities enrich visitors’ experiences while helping safeguard local cultural heritage.
Immersive cultural experiences
Every year in September (lunar month), the Dinh Thay Thim Festival in Tan Hai Commune becomes a major cultural attraction for both locals and tourists. While the ceremonial rituals are held in a solemn atmosphere to honor the merits of Thay and Thim, the festive activities draw visitors with authentic coastal experiences. From traditional rice cake-making competitions, tug-of-war and human chess to contests in carrying basket boats to sea, fish carrying and net weaving, each activity offers not only entertainment but also a glimpse into the occupations and customs that have shaped the lives of fishing communities for generations.
During last year's festival, hundreds of visitors gathered along the beach as soon as the fish-carrying and net-weaving competitions got underway. Among them was Tran Thi Thuong, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, who said: "These everyday tasks may seem ordinary, but when they become part of a festival, they are surprisingly engaging. They also gave me a deeper appreciation of the hard work of coastal communities."
While the Dinh Thay Thim Festival showcases the skills and traditions of coastal fishing communities, the Cau Ngu (Whale Worship) Festival in Phan Thiet comes alive with the rhythmic sounds of bai choi folk singing. Through this traditional card-singing performance - an art form deeply rooted in the lives of coastal communities in Vietnam's South Central Coast—local heritage continues to be preserved and promoted, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience.
Meanwhile, the Hung Kings' Commemoration Festival in Phan Ri Cua features a festive programme steeped in traditional culture, including banh chung and banh giay wrapping competitions, blindfolded pot-breaking and tug-of-war. Within the temple grounds, nimble hands carefully wrap square sticky rice cakes as older generations teach younger participants how to prepare glutinous rice, fold leaves, tie bamboo strings, knead dough and decorate the cakes. Each finished cake is more than the result of a competition - it is a symbol of Vietnam's cultural roots and a tradition passed down from one generation to the next.
Preserving local identity
While the ceremonial rituals help preserve spiritual traditions by honoring ancestors and praying for favorable weather, peace and prosperous fishing seasons, the festive activities provide a vibrant space where traditional culture is practiced and shared. Here, cultural values extend beyond formal rituals, becoming living experiences that both local residents and visitors can actively take part in and appreciate.
Mai Dang Quoc Kha, Deputy Director of the General Services Center of Phan Ri Cua Commune, said: "Bringing traditional activities into local festivals not only enhances the appeal of these destinations but also serves an important educational purpose. Folk games and traditional occupations give younger generations a better understanding of the cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors, while strengthening community cohesion and fostering pride in local cultural identity."
Beyond adding to the festive atmosphere, folk games and bai choi performances have turned traditional cultural heritage into distinctive visitor experiences. The approach is also helping promote sustainable tourism development by preserving and showcasing local cultural identity.
Mai Dang Quoc Kha, Deputy Director of the General Services Center of Phan Ri Cua Commune
In the same view, Nguyen Dinh Quy, head of the Culture and Social Affairs Office of Phan Thiet Ward, said: “Not only do folk games and bai choi performances help create a lively festival atmosphere, but they also turn traditional cultural values into distinctive experiences for visitors. This is also a path that contributes to the sustainable development of local tourism.”
In practice, heritage only truly comes alive when it is preserved by the community and continued in contemporary life. When culture is transformed into authentic and engaging experiences, each festival season becomes not just a celebration for a coastal village or a local community, but a bridge between the past and the present, and between local residents and visitors. In this way, traditional values continue to be passed on, nurturing pride and a stronger commitment to preserving local cultural identity within the community.