The opening ceremony of the festival took place at Khai Luong canal in Cai Khe ward, directly opposite Ninh Kieu Wharf. An elaborate art program was staged on a real-life setting, vividly depicting the "on the wharf, under the boat" rhythm of life for people in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta. This immersive presentation showcased everything from daily activities and bustling trade to vibrant folk festivals and deeply rooted traditional beliefs.
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Recreating the Cai Rang floating market space - a famous tourist destination of Can Tho. Photo: Minh Trung |
Hundreds of boats participated in a grand parade, recreating iconic activities that are central to the region's identity. These included traditional ngo boat racing, lively river trade, and vivid representations of famous floating markets such as Cai Rang, Nga Nam, and Nga Bay. These elements are recognized as quintessential symbols of Southern Vietnam's riverine culture, playing a significant role in promoting Can Tho as a unique tourist destination.
The artistic program concluded with a spectacular drone show featuring 300 unmanned aerial vehicles. These drones skillfully formed various cultural symbols, folk songs, and traditional chants of the Mekong Delta, captivating the audience. This display was synchronized with an artistic fireworks show, lasting approximately 15 minutes over the Ninh Kieu Wharf area. The scale of this impressive performance was adjusted from the initial plans.
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People gathered at Ninh Kieu Wharf to watch the festival's opening art program, on the evening of 27/12. Photo: Chau Tam |
A massive crowd of people gathered on the pedestrian bridge at Ninh Kieu Wharf to watch the festival's opening program.
Photo: Minh Trung
The opening ceremony attracted a huge turnout, with residents and tourists filling Ninh Kieu Wharf, Hai Ba Trung street, and both banks of the Khai Luong canal embankment to witness the event.
The festival, which continues until 1/1/2026, offers a diverse array of activities designed to engage visitors and promote local culture. Highlights include a photo exhibition titled "Life on the River - Mekong Delta Past and Present," a traditional lantern release ceremony, thrilling sailboat races, dynamic stand-up paddleboard (SUP) races, exciting Flyboard performances, and various programs aimed at boosting waterway tourism.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of Can Tho City People's Committee, stated the festival's primary goal. She explained that it aims to introduce and promote the distinctive riverine culture of the Mekong Delta in general, and Can Tho in particular, to both domestic and international visitors. Additionally, the event is designed to foster greater awareness regarding environmental protection and the riverine ecosystem, aligning with efforts to develop sustainable tourism in the region.
According to the Can Tho City People's Committee, in 2025, the locality is projected to welcome over 11 million tourists. This figure includes nearly 45,000 international visitors, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism revenue for the year is expected to reach nearly 10,000 billion VND, an increase of approximately 20%.
An Binh
