The Cat Ba sea festival took place on 6-7/6 at Con So Square, transforming the Central Bay area into a bustling summer destination. Held in an open space facing the bay, the festival featured a multi-point structure, connecting island culture with various entertainment activities.

From early on, tens of thousands of tourists flocked to the Central Bay area, eagerly awaiting the festival's opening. Along the main streets, an unending stream of people stretched.

Many families walked with their children in the water square, while groups of young people took photos by the glowing seashell stage. Numerous visitors chose to stay overnight to fully experience the two-day festival.

As the sun set, small, flag-adorned boats cut through the waves, heading to the center of the bay to perform the inaugural fish release ceremony.

The fish release ceremony is a familiar custom for Cat Ba fishermen at the start of each fishing season. This activity is linked to the belief in replenishing marine resources and expresses a wish for calm seas and abundant catches. By incorporating this activity into this year's festival opening, the organizing committee hoped the ceremony would highlight a long-standing cultural concept, marking the vibrant start of Cat Ba's summer tourism season.

Following the traditional ceremony, the Cat Ba sea festival officially opened, inviting visitors to explore a contemporary entertainment space with a series of multi-sensory performances.

A procession of artists and dancers in mermaid costumes paraded along the central square, creating an energetic atmosphere as the audience joined in with the lively music.

The artistic bubble performance was a highlight, attracting many families and young children.

The Ngoc Trai stage, the event's focal point, buzzed with activity. Artists delivered a dynamic DJ music night, with the audience enjoying vibrant tracks ranging from pop and hip-hop to electro house.

Concluding at 9 PM, thousands of spectators watched a display of artistic fireworks, illuminating the Central Bay sky.

Foreign visitors attended the event with excitement, noting that Cat Ba would have a strong appeal due to its diverse activities, particularly the 2026 sea festival.

Many attendees remarked that the festival, combining Cat Ba's traditional maritime customs with a series of music, contemporary art, and fireworks displays, created an engaging, multi-layered experience. "The event brought a look that was both familiar and fresh to Pearl Island's summer," one visitor shared.

The festive atmosphere in Central Bay introduced new activities for Cat Ba in the early summer, promising a vibrant festival season that will attract many residents during summer 2026.

By Quang Anh

Photos: Sun Group