Excited with the 18th traditional boat racing festival in Con Dao

Saturday - 04/05/2024 16:36

The 18th edition of the traditional boat racing festival in Con Dao district in 2024 took place on Con Son Bay, with the participation of 16 teams, including 11 male teams competing in a distance of 2,000m and 5 female teams competing in a distance of 1,200m.

Commemorating the 49th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country (April 30th, 1975 - April 30th, 2024) and the 49th anniversary of the liberation of Con Dao district (May 1st, 1975 - May 1st, 2024), on April 30th, Con Dao district (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) organized the 18th edition of the Boat Racing Festival in 2024. This is a traditional festival of the locality aiming to preserve and promote the historical value and revolutionary tradition education for today's and future generations. The festival attracted the participation of thousands of local residents and tourists.

This is not just a simple sports competition, but also a way to recreate the history of struggle through the "Escape by Boat" events of the former Con Dao prisoners. The Boat Racing Festival was well-organized and attracted a large number of local residents and tourists to participate.

The 18th edition of the traditional boat racing festival in Con Dao district in 2024 took place on Con Son Bay, with the participation of 16 teams, including 11 male teams competing in a distance of 2,000m and 5 female teams competing in a distance of 1,200m.
Speaking at the 17th edition of the traditional boat racing festival in 2023, Ms. Nguyen Thuy Nga, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Con Dao district, stated that during the more than a century of existence of Con Dao prison, there were hundreds of uprisings and escapes by prisoners. Among them, many "Escape by Boat" events by political prisoners were recorded to return to the mainland and continue their revolutionary activities.
Reenacting history with the "Escape by Boat" competition through the sport of "Boat Racing" by the people of Con Dao today aims to honor the strong will, indomitable spirit, and bravery of the Con Dao prisoners who refused to accept their fate, determined to overcome the life-and-death boundary with daring escapes, braving storms and waves to head back to the mainland, to the revolution, and to fight for the independence and freedom of the country.

The boats participating in the competition are all made from simple and easily available materials such as bamboo, wood, foam... with a compact and sturdy design, created by the members of the boat teams themselves in the previous boat-making competition.
After a solemn opening ceremony with a commemoration ritual for the fallen heroes and a flower-laying ceremony into the sea, the boat teams advanced to the starting line.

Throughout the race, the teams constantly increased speed, made breakthroughs, and chased each other in an intense and thrilling manner, providing the audience with dramatic and exciting moments.
All the rowers participating in the Con Dao boat racing festival are non-professionals, each with their own occupation - farmers, fishermen, workers, or soldiers from military units. Particularly this year, there were a large number of female teams participating in the race. When participating in the race, they all gave their all with powerful and determined paddling movements, displaying their high determination.

Các đội liên tục tăng tốc, bứt phá và bám đuổi nhau rất gay cấn, hấp dẫn.

Underneath the water, there were thrilling and captivating pursuits. Onshore, there was a cheerful, lively, and exciting atmosphere. A large number of local residents and tourists gathered along Ton Duc Thang Beach, cheering enthusiastically for the rowers, especially when the boat teams were approaching the finish line. The atmosphere became more festive, lively, making the race truly a grand celebration in Con Dao district.