An Giang opens the Via Ba Chua Xu festival at Sam Mountain 2024.

Biểu diễn văn nghệ đêm khai mạc lễ hội Vía Bà Chúa Xứ núi Sam 2024 - Ảnh: L.H. — Cultural performances at the opening night of the Via Ba Chua Xu festival at Sam Mountain 2024 - Photo: LH

On the evening of May 28th, in Nui Sam ward, Chau Doc city, An Giang province, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam festival was held, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the festival being included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage (2014-2024).

Mr. Le Hong Quang - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Mr. Le Van Nung - Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, and Mr. Le Van Phuoc - Vice Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People's Committee and Head of the Festival Organizing Committee, were all present.

According to the organizers, the 2024 Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam festival is a major event, deeply rooted in the cultural identity, religious practices, and spiritual activities of the local people. The festival reflects the identity and continuity of the Vietnamese community in the process of cultural exchange and adaptation with the Khmer, Chinese, and Cham ethnic communities.

The Via Ba Chua Xu festival at Sam Mountain is a traditional festival, preserved and practiced through many generations of the people of Chau Doc.

Phó chủ tịch UBND tình An Giang Lê Văn Phước phát biểu khai mạc - Ảnh: L.H. — Vice Chairman of An Giang Provincial People's Committee Le Van Phuoc delivers the opening speech - Photo: LH

This year's festival features many activities such as a lion and dragon dance parade, a reenactment of the procession of the statue of the Goddess on May 29th; the bathing ceremony of the Goddess on the night of May 31st; the ceremony of inviting the divine spirit and the Túc Yết and Xây Chầu ceremonies on June 1st.

According to Tuoi Tre Online 's observations at noon on the same day, visitors to the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain this year experienced smooth traffic flow, with enhanced security and order. Prices for goods in the temple area were publicly displayed.

Incense sticks are priced at 5,000 VND per bundle, flowers for offerings start from 30,000 VND per bundle, and fruit baskets range from 80,000 to 250,000 VND per basket. In addition, visitors attending the festival are provided with free drinks both outside and within the festival grounds.

Mr. Lam Quang Thi, Secretary of the Chau Doc City Party Committee, said that he had directed units, especially security forces, to implement many measures and plans to ensure maximum safety for tourists participating in the festival.