The Dinh Cô Long Hải Festival is one of the largest and most important spiritual events of coastal communities in Southern Vietnam, held annually from the 10th to the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors from Long Hải, Ho Chi Minh City, Đồng Nai, the South Central Coast, and the Mekong Delta flock to Dinh Cô to pray for peace, prosperity, and a bountiful fishing season.
This festival reflects the worship of the Mother Goddess, blended with the whale-worship tradition (Nam Hải) and the ancient rituals of Cầu Ngư. Together, they create a vibrant and deeply spiritual festival unique to the southern coastal culture.
Where is Dinh Cô Long Hải?
The festival takes place at Dinh Cô, located at the foot of Thùy Vân Mountain in Hải Sơn Hamlet, Long Hải Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.
Dinh Cô is a sacred shrine worshiping “Cô” – a female deity highly revered by local fishermen.
About 1 km away lies Cô’s Tomb, situated on Cô Sơn Hill, closely connected to the legends surrounding her divine protection.
The Legend of “Cô” – Origin of the Festival
Many stories about Cô have been passed down through generations, with the most well-known being:
The Legend of Lê Thị Hồng Thủy
(considered the closest to historical truth)
Cô was a young girl from Phan Rang who traveled south with her father for trade. During a voyage, she fell into the sea near Vũng Mù U and died at the age of 16. Her body drifted to Hòn Hang, where villagers from Phước Hải compassionately buried her.
After her burial, Cô frequently appeared in dreams to warn villagers about storms, illness, and misfortunes at sea. Realizing her divine nature, the villagers built a shrine in her honor and observed her death anniversary annually on the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month.
Other Legends
Some accounts suggest she was connected to the Tây Sơn uprising and died for righteousness. Villagers mourned her sacrifice and built a shrine to honor her.
Despite different versions, all portray Cô as a pure, innocent young woman who protects fishermen and blesses the community.
Architecture of Dinh Cô – A Cultural Landmark
Today, Dinh Cô forms a large sacred complex leaning against Thùy Vân Mountain and facing the sea, consisting of:
- A main sanctuary with seven altars
- A statue of Cô dressed in red robes and a jade headdress
- Auxiliary shrines dedicated to:
- Diêu Trì Mother Goddess
- The Five Element Goddesses (Ngũ Hành Nương Nương)
- Cậu Tài – Cậu Quý
- Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
- The God of Wealth and Earth God
- A worship hall, guest houses, and a courtyard nearly 1,000 m²
How the Dinh Cô Festival Is Celebrated
The festival spans three days—the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the 2nd lunar month—and is the most crowded event in Long Hải.
📅 Day 10 (Opening Day)
- 6:00 AM: Fishermen and ritual committees gather at Dinh Cô
- 7:00 AM: Procession honoring Bà Thủy (the Sea Goddess) and Nam Hải Đại Tướng Quân
- Ritual drum and music ensemble
- Twelve red-costumed rowers
- Palanquins for Cô and the Whale God
- 9:00 AM: Ceremony honoring village founders
- 10:00 AM: Prayer for national peace and community well-being
📅 Day 11 – Competitions & Chầu Cô Ritual
- Morning: Basket-boat racing and swimming competitions
- 4:00 PM onward: Hundreds of fishing boats decorated with flags and lanterns gather to perform the Chầu Cô ritual before Dinh Cô
- 9:00 PM: Tiên Thường Ceremony
- Night: A breathtaking scene as brightly lit boats float across the sea, creating a magical coastal festival atmosphere
📅 Day 12 – Main Ceremony (Nghinh Cô)
- 7:00 AM: The grand sea procession
- Hundreds of boats sail 1 km offshore to “welcome” Cô back to the shrine
- The main boat carries the altar, ceremonial scripts, and ritual masters
- After the sea ceremony: offerings are made at Dinh Cô
- Roast pig
- Live pig offerings
- Vegetarian trays
- Fruits and traditional items
- Afternoon–late night:
- Bóng rỗi
- Flower-tray dances
- Classical opera (hát bội)
- Chặp địa nàng & folk performances
Cultural Highlights
- Lion–dragon dances
- Boat and basket-boat races
- Traditional fishing games (catching fish, catching eels)
- Martial arts performances
- Bird release ceremonies
- Classical music & folk theater (hát bội)
Cultural Meaning of the Dinh Cô Festival
Local fishermen participate to:
- Pray for safe voyages
- Wish for abundant catches and calm seas
- Seek harmony, prosperity, and good fortune for their families
The festival also reflects the deep-rooted Vietnamese values of gratitude and remembrance of ancestors.
The Dinh Cô Festival has evolved beyond a religious tradition—it is now a major community and cultural tourism event of Long Hải and the broader Ho Chi Minh City region.
