Not only a religious ritual of the islanders, the Phi Yen death anniversary has become one of the most unique cultural and spiritual festivals in the Southern coastal region for many years. 2025 marks the 240th anniversary of the death anniversary, equivalent to nearly two and a half centuries of continuous maintenance.
Who is Mrs. Phi Yen?
The Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony (also known as the An Son Temple Memorial Ceremony) is the largest traditional festival in Con Dao, associated with the character of Phi Yen (real name: Le Thi Ram), who is revered by the people for her sacrifice, wisdom and loyalty. She is considered the mother goddess who protects the island's residents. In 2022, Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, under the category of "Social customs and beliefs".
Lady Phi Yen, concubine of Lord Nguyen Anh. When the Tay Son army was pursuing, Nguyen Anh intended to ask for help from the Siamese army. She advised him because she was worried that the nation would suffer from war. Her advice led to misunderstandings, she was imprisoned in a cave and later died tragically. The people of Con Dao built a temple to worship her, calling her "Lady Phi Yen - An Son Thanh Mau". The annual death anniversary is a way for people to show their gratitude and pray for peace, calm seas, and favorable crops.
The memorial service for Lady Phi Yen has been held continuously for nearly two and a half centuries.
PHOTO: Organizing Committee
The biggest highlight of the 2025 festival is the opening ceremony on the morning of December 5, with a procession of 240 people symbolizing the 240th anniversary of the festival. The ceremony was held at An Son Temple, a sacred space associated with the legend of Lady Phi Yen.
Immediately after the procession, the temple area opens to welcome visitors with exchange activities and gift giving to support the needy. This is a unique feature of the festival associated with the spirit of community support.
The night fair space is open until 10pm, visitors can both worship and have fun.
Many tourists shared that they were excited because this year's anniversary has a speciality, food , and souvenir booth area open for 3 days, from morning until 10 pm. This is a night fair model combined with culture that spiritual tourism destinations are currently focusing on.
Here, visitors can find Con Dao specialties, OCOP products, calligraphy stalls, beverage booths, and many experiences serving young guests such as checking in at the festival gate, lantern space, and folk performances.
Not only the people of the South, many tourists from Hanoi have also booked their flights and accommodation in Con Dao in time to attend the 240th anniversary of Lady Phi Yen's death. As one of the most famous spiritual destinations in the island region, this year's event has a rich schedule, causing the number of searches from the northern market to increase sharply since the end of October.
Ms. Hong Nguyen (34 years old, Cau Giay Ward) said that her family booked round-trip tickets from Hanoi to Con Dao since the beginning of November because "they were afraid that there would be no more seats near the date". "I have been to Con Dao several times but never during the anniversary of Lady Phi Yen's death. I heard from people that the atmosphere was solemn but still very joyful. This year, the festival lasts three days and there are many cultural activities, so the whole family is determined to go," Ms. Ha shared.
What's on the 3-day itinerary?
On December 5, the An Son Temple campus continuously held traditional games and folk cake making contests, attracting visitors to participate directly. In particular, the golden bell ringing contest (10:00 - 11:00) for players to learn about the history of the worship of Lady Phi Yen, is considered an interesting heritage education activity for students and families.
In the evening of the same day, the art program serving the people and the bathing ceremony (bathing the Lady) took place from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., reenacting traditional rituals that few places still preserve.
On the afternoon of December 6, the procession of the Hoi An Prince's tablet from Cau Temple to An Son Temple was an event that attracted many tourists, because the ceremony was solemn and had the participation of many local people.
In the evening (7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), the art program with the theme "The life of Lady Phi Yen and the heritage value of the death anniversary" recreates the folk legend and the journey of more than two centuries of preserving the festival, creating a highlight for visitors who want to learn more about Con Dao culture.
Lady Phi Yen Temple in Con Dao
PHOTO: Contributor
The main memorial service is held from 10am to 11am, attracting a large number of residents and visitors. After the ceremony, a vegetarian feast is served free of charge in the temple grounds from 11am to 1pm.
In the afternoon (3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), the procession to the Prince Hoi An's spirit tablet and the procession to the Cau Temple conclude the three-day festival, marking the end of a solemn, civilized and unique death anniversary season.
With a rich schedule, harmoniously combining cultural beliefs and tourism experiences, the 240th anniversary of Lady Phi Yen promises to continue to be an opportunity for visitors to explore the traditional festival atmosphere of Con Dao in the last days of the year.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/le-gio-240-nam-o-con-dao-co-gi-khien-khach-non-nao-185251126105236666.htm
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