Age-old Ly Son boat race draws crowd of thousands
VOV.VN - Thousands of local people and tourists gathered in the Ly Son Island district of central Quang Ngai province to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of a traditional boat race on February 23 (8th day of the first lunar month).
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| The traditional boat-race festival is organised on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year in commemoration of the ancestors and combatants who sacrificed their lives to safeguard national sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. It is also a chance to pray for the peace and prosperity of local fishermen. |
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| Eight boats rowed by dozens of fishermen compete in the race. |
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| According to the fishermen of Ly Son Island district, the traditional boat race festival has been observed for nearly 300 years. Historical evidence shows that the festival was first organized in 1826 and has been preserved to this day. |
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| Many young people wade into the water to get closer to the action and give great encouragement to the competitors. |
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| Local people and tourists are on tenterhooks as they watch the race unfold. |
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| They rejoice and give a round of applause when the winner is announced. |
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| An Phung boat from An Hai Commune wins the championship title of this year’s boat race. |
