Ho Chi Minh City hosted the first Ngo (Khmer) boat race festival on the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal in District 3 on Sunday to celebrate the upcoming Reunification Day (April 30).

The District 3 People’s Committee, the organizer of the festival, said that the fest featured nine teams from Ho Chi Minh City and four other localities, including Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Kien Giang and Binh Phuoc Provinces competing in boat races.

The teams raced on a section of the canal between Cong Ly Bridge and Le Van Sy Bridge.

During the knockout round, these teams were placed in four groups. The winner of each group reached the semifinal. They then competed for the first prize of the race.

Thousands of spectators crowded both banks of the canal to support the rowers at 6:00 am on Sunday, although the race started at 7:30 am.

Tran Thi Ngat, a teacher of a kindergarten in District 3, said that she and her family members and friends came to watch the race.

“This is the first time I have watched an exciting Ngo boat race,” she said.

“These teams are showing their mettle to win the tournament, making the race more attractive and supporters thrilled."

The festival was aimed at marking the nation’s Reunification Day and Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Culture Day (April 19), said Vu Thi My Ngoc, vice-chairwoman of the District 3 People’s Committee.

“The festival not only promoted and maintained the cultural value of the Khmer ethnic people in southern Vietnam, but also advanced cultural exchange among ethnic groups and introduced District 3 as a safe and friendly tourist destination to local and international tourists,” Ngoc stated.

The Khmer people are one of the largest minorities in Vietnam. They mainly live in the southern region, particularly in the Mekong Delta.

Ho Chi Minh City City will host fireworks shows at Dam Sen Amusement Park in District 11 and the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City between 9:00 pm and 9:15 pm on April 30 to celebrate Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day (May 1), said the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports.

Many events will be organized to mark the national holiday in Ho Chi Minh City, including incense offering ceremonies in tribute to late State Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Ton Duc Thang, a bicycle race, and art performances on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1.

Workers in Vietnam are entitled to a five-day holiday lasting from April 29 to May 3 to celebrate Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (April 29), Reunification Day, and International Workers’ Day.

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