CAM NAM STICKY CORN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES HERITAGE, LOCAL PRODUCE IN HOI AN

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First held in 2014, the Cam Nam sticky corn festival has steadily grown into a compelling tourism draw, thanks to the rich cultural traditions of the people in the ancient town of Hoi An, the central city of Da Nang.

Cam Nam sticky corn festival

celebrates heritage, local produce in Hoi An

Over two days on March 21–22, Hoi An ward hosted the “Cam Nam Sticky Corn Festival”, honouring local produce and farmers while adding a unique tourism experience to the heritage city. Through a wide range of activities, local authorities promote agriculture with tourism, creating sustainable livelihoods for residents who have cultivated and processed sticky corn for nearly 400 years on the Cam Nam islet.

Honouring origins

and paying tribute to ancestors

Historically, Cam Nam sticky corn is a renowned specialty of the Hoi An area. According to resident Do Van Dung, the area is an alluvial islet in the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, enriched year-round by fertile sediment deposited during floods.

The village’s ritual offering to the Agriculture Deity is preserved for generations, honouring the prized corn variety. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

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"Thanks to this unique soil, about 400 years ago, our ancestors chose to settle here
and brought traditional corn varieties to cultivate and sustain their livelihoods," Dung said.

He added: “Building on generations of tradition, local farmers continue to cultivate Cam Nam sticky corn, intercropping with crops such as peanuts and sesame to boost productivity.”

A spiritual highlight of the festival is the solemn ceremony dedicated to the Agriculture Deity. Through ritual offerings, the community expresses deep gratitude to the forebears who reclaimed the alluvial land and introduced the valuable corn variety.

The ceremony also provides an occasion for farmers to pray for favourable weather, peace and prosperity, and abundant harvests.

It is this harmony between nature’s bounty and the diligence of local farmers that has shaped the distinctive flavour, soft, aromatic and naturally sweet, of Cam Nam sticky corn.

Culinary diversity drives tourism appeal

Beyond the ceremonial elements, the festival offers a lively space for cultural exchange and culinary exploration.

Centred on sticky corn, dozens of dishes, from simple to inventive, are showcased. Visitors can enjoy familiar treats such as grilled corn, stir-fried corn and corn sweet soup, alongside creative local specialties like corn patties and corn wine.

Experiencing the festival firsthand, Nguyen Hoang Ha expressed delight at witnessing the entire process, from cultivation and harvesting to tasting dishes made from corn, especially the unique corn wine.

She noted her appreciation for the hard work of farmers and the distinctive taste of Cam Nam corn, characterised by its natural fragrance, softness and mild sweetness.

Tong Quoc Hung, Vice Chairman of the Hoi An ward People’s Committee, said the event also features folk performances and a range of community activities.

On behalf of local authorities, he extended gratitude to leaders at all levels, business partners and especially local farmers and visitors for their strong support.

The festival buzzes with activity, showcasing a variety of corn-based dishes. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Tran Tuy, a local resident, said corn cultivation delivers strong economic returns, with farmers able to harvest two to three crops per year depending on planting schedules.

Harvested corn is purchased by local processors, boiled within neighbourhoods, then distributed to small traders or transported to Da Nang and nearby areas.

More than preserving a traditional agricultural craft, the Cam Nam Sticky Corn Festival also creates opportunities for producers and businesses to connect, promote products and expand markets.

From lush cornfields along the Thu Bon River, the story of a culturally rich rural area is gaining wider recognition, turning each harvest season into a memorable highlight for visitors to Hoi An./.