Fishing village life comes alive on Da Nang Beach installation space

Part of the Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2025, the “Story of Da Nang Fishing Village” running from June 19 to 23 vividly portrays the daily lives of the city’s fishing communities.

The installation features four main sections inspired by the livelihoods, daily life routines and community spirit of local fishermen, namely Song Ca (Wave of Fish), Vuon Khoi (Setting Sail), Huong Vi Man Moi (The Taste of the Sea), and Vuon Bich Hoa (Mural Garden).

Wave of Fish impresses with more than 1,600 handcrafted fish-shaped pieces made from wood or mica, painted in ocean shades.

Arranged to mimic a swirling current, the installation symbolizes the flow of dreams and the hopes of those who live by the sea.

Setting Sail conveys the ambition of coastal dwellers to reach beyond the horizon.

Sculpted boats and light effects echo the determination of fishermen navigating the open sea.

With The Taste of the Sea, viewers are brought into the world of clay jars, paddles, baskets and tools recalling the traditional fish sauce making.

The space offers a quiet moment to reflect on the peaceful side of life after every voyage at sea.

The last but not least section, Mural Garden, showcases paintings that honor the hard work of fishing families.

Simple yet soulful, the images depict scenes like fish drying under the sun, hands hurling nets out to sea, skilled hands weaving nets, and children smiling beside trays of dried fish.

These are painted on 2.1-meter-tall wooden boards coated for waterproof protection.

“The fishing village has been recreated in a very lively and visually striking way,” said Phan Thi Uyen Ly, 35, a Da Nang resident who visited the space.

“It is portrayed through an approach that is both unique and familiar.

“I think this is a great way to make traditional culture more accessible to young people, especially Gen Z.”

For Quynh Trang, a visitor from Hue, the exhibit was a highlight of her summer trip to Da Nang.

“I was truly impressed by the artworks displayed at Man Thai Beach,” she said.

“I explained the stories and everyday life in the fishing village while viewing them with my children.

“We also took some beautiful photos in this artistic space.”

Adding to the experience, the space also features a live performance of hat ba trao, a traditional art closely tied to whale worship and fishermen’s prayers for safety and abundant sea journeys.

Visitors can also join hands-on activities such as net casting and net weaving with local fishermen, offering a deeper dive into the coastal way of life.