(VOVWORLD) - Can Tho city is hosting its new Can Tho River Culture Festival 2025 under the theme “Can Tho – Colors of River Life”. The week-long festival opens on Friday at Ninh Kieu Wharf Park and Hau River Park in Can Tho city. Organized by the Can Tho municipal People’s Committee, the event aims to honor the distinctive river-based culture of southern Vietnam and promote the image of Can Tho to domestic and international visitors.
 The festival takes place from December 26, 2025 to January 1, 2026 at Ninh Kieu Wharf Park and Hau River Park and surrounding areas. (Photo: Hong Phuong/VOV-Mekong Delta) |
The festival showcases local specialties, cuisine, OCOP products, and tourism offerings from various localities. There will also be a photo exhibit called “Life on the River – The Mekong Delta: Past and Present”, flyboard performances, the 2025 Can Tho Open Composite Boat Racing Championship, sailing races, parades, the 2025 Can Tho Open SUP Board Racing Championship, and a floating lantern release on the river.
Le Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the festival is intended to be a new cultural and tourism highlight for the city.
 Releasing lanterns on the river is one of the 12 main activities at the festival. (Photo: Hong Phuong/VOV-Mekong Delta) |
Tuan said: "The festival begins with the ‘Colors of River Life’ parade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the pedestrian bridge area of Ninh Kieu Wharf Park. Colorfully decorated boats will sail in procession along the Hau River, accompanied by the melodies of don ca tai tu (southern traditional singing). Street dances and lively lion, dragon, and unicorn dances along the city’s main streets will add to the festive atmosphere, creating a joyful and distinctly Mekong Delta ambiance. At 8:00 p.m., a performance portrays the culture, cuisine, and daily life of riverine communities."
 Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City. (Photo: Hong Phuong/VOV-Mekong Delta) |
Wards and communes across Can Tho are organizing cultural, sports, and tourism activities.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the Can Tho municipal People’s Committee, said: "The festival is expected to promote Can Tho’s image at home and abroad, stimulate tourism demand, and contribute to local economic growth. This is the first step in making the event an annual highlight."
The festival will foster stronger links between urban tours and river tours connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and other Mekong Delta provinces, and promote regional cooperation in the Mekong River basin.