The Nhuệ Giang River, a gentle flow embracing fertile villages, is not only a source of life but also a place nurturing unique traditional cultural values. Visiting Dam Village, an ancient village nestled by the Nhuệ River, travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the jubilant festival atmosphere and be captivated by the vibrant and exciting Nhuệ River boat race.
The Dam Village boat racing festival, a distinctive folk cultural activity, is usually held in late spring and early summer, around the 9th to 11th days of the third lunar month. This is the transitional time between seasons, when the weather is warm and plants sprout and bud, also when the people of Dam Village jubilantly celebrate the festival to pray for a year of favorable weather and abundant harvests.
According to the village elders, the custom of boat racing in Dam Village dates back to ancient times, originating from the people’s lives closely tied to the river. The Nhuệ River was once a vital waterway for transportation, but also a place harboring many dangers from natural disasters and floods. Therefore, rowing on the Nhuệ River was not only a livelihood activity but also a way to train health, courage, and solidarity, to conquer nature. The boat racing festival is seen as a reenactment of the process of conquering the water, while also praying for peace and prosperity for the entire village.
Today, despite many changes in life, the Dam Village boat racing festival still retains precious traditional cultural values. The race is not just a recreational sports activity but also an opportunity for local people to show their martial spirit, skill, and river experience. At the same time, the festival is also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds, evoke pride in their homeland and the cultural traditions of Dam Village.
When the festival begins, the atmosphere becomes more bustling and vibrant than ever. Crowds from all over flock to Dam Village to immerse themselves in the jubilant festival space. On the pond – a small branch of the Nhuệ River flowing through Dam Village – the racing boats are colorfully decorated, ready for the competition. The sound of festival drums echoes, the cheers of spectators resonate throughout the countryside, creating a lively and colorful festival picture.
Each racing boat is operated by a team of 24 people, including 18 strong rowers and 6 other “coordinating” members, each taking on an important role: the “Ong Do” (conductor) directs the rhythm, the “Ong Lai” (steersman) controls the direction, the “Ong Phat Co” (flag waver) signals the start, the “Ong Cam Lang” (distance keeper) maintains a safe distance, the “Ong Tat Nuoc” (water bailer) ensures the boat does not flood, and the “Ong Trong Tai” (referee) supervises the race. The harmonious and synchronized coordination between members is the key to winning this Nhuệ River boat race.
Water bailer on a racing boat at the Dam Village boat racing festival
The start is a crucial moment, greatly determining the overall result. When the flag signal sounds, the boat teams simultaneously accelerate, the paddles powerfully churn the water, creating white wakes on the surface of the Nhuệ River. The rowers not only need strength but also skillful Nhuệ River boat rowing techniques, teamwork, and flexible adaptation to unexpected situations on the race course.
Racing boats launch, beginning the Nhuệ River boat race
During the race, spectators witness thrilling chases, spectacular acceleration phases, and even moments of fierce contention between boat teams. To take the lead, teams not only rely on muscle strength but also must use river experience to perform “side pushes” and “bow pushes,” skillfully hindering opponents and creating advantages for their team.
Distance keeper helps racing boat avoid collisions during the Nhuệ River boat race
The section of the Nhuệ River flowing through Dam Village, where the festival takes place, although not too wide, creates an ideal space for organizing boat races. On both sides of the river, thousands of spectators jostle to stand, creating an extremely lively natural “stand.” The sounds of drums, gongs, and cheers blend together, adding strength to the athletes and increasing the excitement of the race.
Dam Village pond, a branch of the Nhuệ River where the traditional boat racing festival takes place
Witnessing the young men of Dam Village enthusiastically rowing on the Nhuệ River, viewers not only feel the bustling festival atmosphere but also see the martial spirit, resilience, and determination to conquer challenges of the local people. The Dam Village boat racing festival is not only a beautiful traditional cultural feature but also a meaningful sports activity, contributing to health training, strengthening solidarity, and promoting the image of the homeland.
Boat racing team showing strength and Nhuệ River boat rowing experience
Conductor directs the rhythm for the boat racing team on the Nhuệ River
The enthusiastic cheers of the audience are a great source of encouragement, adding strength to the racing teams. The shouts and applause resonate continuously with each paddle stroke, each breakthrough, creating a passionate and exciting atmosphere.
Spectators enthusiastically cheer for the boat racing teams on the Nhuệ River
Natural stands with large crowds watching the Nhuệ River boat race
Stands are full during the Nhuệ River boat racing festival
As the racing boats approach the finish line, the drama is heightened. At this point, skillful Nhuệ River boat rowing techniques and team coordination are most clearly demonstrated. Just a moment of carelessness, a misplaced paddle stroke can cause the team to fall behind.
Nhuệ River boat rowing skills determine success or failure at the finish line
Fierce contention between boat racing teams on the Nhuệ River
Risk of unskilled Nhuệ River boat rowing
Effort to reach the finish line in the Nhuệ River boat race
Overcoming difficulties and challenges, the moment of glory finally arrives. The boat team that crosses the finish line first wins amidst the resounding cheers of the audience. The joy of victory, pride in team spirit, and memorable experiences at the Nhuệ River boat race festival will be beautiful memories in the hearts of every participant and witness.
Victory moment at the Nhuệ River boat racing festival
Visiting Dam Village during the festival season, travelers not only immerse themselves in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the boat racing festival but also have the opportunity to discover traditional cultural beauty, enjoy unique cuisine, and experience the peaceful life of the Vietnamese countryside by the gentle Nhuệ River. This will surely be a memorable and meaningful cultural travel journey.