As usual every year, on the 22nd of the second lunar month, the people and government of Ngu Loc commune (Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province) solemnly held the Cau Ngu festival.

According to the elders in the village, the Cau Ngu festival originated from the name of the Cau Mat festival of the residents of Diem Pho village since the village was first established during the Le dynasty.

The gods worshiped at this festival are Tam Bao Phat, Tu Vi Thanh Nuong, Dong Hai Dai Vuong, Ne Son Ton Than, Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan... This is the biggest festival of the year in the commune and also the biggest and most typical festival in the coastal area of ​​Thanh Hoa province.

Early in the morning, on all the big and small roads of Ngu Loc commune, people flocked to the sea dike to wait to watch the palanquin procession, Long Chau and drum performances, and lion dances. Along the entire dike, there were only people, packed together.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a local resident, said: Every time this day comes, we have to put aside all our work to watch the palanquin and dragon pearl procession. Many families also arrange their work to attend the festival. We wish for a year of good luck.

"To watch the festival, my family had to go to the dike early to choose a good position because there were so many people," said Mr. Thanh.

According to custom, the organization of this festival has great significance in terms of spirituality and culture of the coastal region. During the festival, families and people in the commune come to offer prayers for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, a successful fishing season, and a happy and prosperous life for fishermen.