1. Basic information about the death anniversary of Lady Phi Yen

The death anniversary of Lady Phi Yen is one of the most typical and oldest traditional festivals of Con Dao, held annually around the 17th-18th day of the 10th lunar month at An Son Mieu Relic (An Hai, Con Dao) – the place where Lady Phi Yen is worshipped, a figure revered by the local people with many sacred legends. This is not only a memorial ritual but also a unique cultural-religious festival, attracting a large number of people and tourists to attend each year-end.

The commemoration of Ba Phi Yen is held annually in the 10th lunar month (Source: Collected)

For the people of Con Dao, the commemoration of Ba Phi Yen holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Ba Phi Yen is considered a symbol of sacrifice, loyalty, and dedication to the community; the commemoration thus becomes an occasion for today's generation to express gratitude, remembrance, and pray for peace and luck for their families and the community. Not only does it have a solemn ceremony with incense offering and traditional prayers, the festival also includes a vibrant fair with cultural activities, folk games, and community events, reflecting the rich spiritual life of the island's residents.

Besides its religious value to the local community, the commemoration of Ba Phi Yen has also been recognized by the Vietnamese State as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, demonstrating the importance of the festival within the system of Vietnamese folk cultural heritage. Its recognition has contributed to preserving and disseminating unique traditional values, while also promoting cultural and spiritual tourism development in Con Dao.

2. Legends of Ba Phi Yen and Famous Historical Stories

2.1. Origin and Role of Ba Phi Yen

Ba Phi Yen is considered the virtuous wife or concubine of Nguyen Phuc Anh, the future king of the Nguyen Dynasty, or according to some other legends, a noble figure living in Con Dao. Despite various versions, all emphasize her virtue, fidelity, and dedication to her family, relatives, and the surrounding community.

Ba Phi Yen is a symbol of a woman who endures hardship (Source: Collected)

Ba Phi Yen is not only a symbol of a chaste woman but also represents the model of women who endure and sacrifice in difficult circumstances, especially when Con Dao was a place dominated by war and conflict. Over time, the image of Ba Phi Yen has entered the consciousness of the local people, becoming a central figure in the folklore and cultural traditions of Con Dao.

2.2. Legends of chastity and sacrifice

The legend of Ba Phi Yen emphasizes her chaste heart and noble sacrifice. When Con Dao fell into instability due to war and invasion, Ba Phi Yen is said to have chosen the path of voluntary sacrifice to protect her child and the people from threatening forces. Some stories say she jumped into the sea or left the island in silence to avoid capture by the enemy, while preserving her honor and virtue.

These stories not only create the image of a resilient woman but also carry strong educational values, reminding future generations of courage, virtue, and responsibility towards the community. Ba Phi Yen's chastity and sacrifice thus became a distinctive cultural symbol, remembered through centuries.

2.3. Recognition in history and culture

Although there are different opinions on historical details, the image of Ba Phi Yen has been revered by the people of Con Dao, who built An Son Mieu and associated relics for worship. Annually, the Ba Phi Yen memorial ceremony is held to commemorate her contributions, virtues, and spirit of sacrifice.

An Son Temple is where Lady Phi Yen is worshipped (Source: Collected)

The festival not only holds spiritual value but also contributes to preserving folk traditions, from solemn incense offering rituals to cultural activities, folk games, and community gatherings. The annual death anniversary ceremony, along with Lady Phi Yen's recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, has affirmed her important position in spiritual life, while helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the unique culture, history, and folk tales of Con Dao.

3. When and where does Lady Phi Yen's death anniversary ceremony take place?

3.1. Time of the death anniversary ceremony

Lady Phi Yen's death anniversary ceremony is held annually around the 17th–18th day of the 10th Lunar month, coinciding with autumn when the weather in Con Dao is mild, the sky is clear, and the sea is calm. This is an ideal time for the local community and visitors to participate in incense offering and commemoration rituals, as well as experience cultural and entertainment activities associated with the festival.

This period is not only convenient for travel and organizing outdoor rituals but also allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful natural scenery, combined with visiting the beautiful island scenery, creating a complete cultural and tourism experience.

3.2. Location of the death anniversary ceremony

Lady Phi Yen's death anniversary ceremony is mainly held at An Son Temple, in the An Hai area, Con Dao – the place where Lady Phi Yen is worshipped. An Son Temple is located on a quiet plot of land, near the sea, surrounded by green coconut trees and fine white sand, creating a solemn and tranquil space.

The Ba Phi Yen Commemoration Ceremony is solemnly held at An Son Mieu (Source: Collected)

This is a place where people come to offer incense, perform memorial rites, and pay respects, and it is also a destination that attracts tourists who want to learn about the local beliefs, traditions, and history. Besides An Son Mieu, tourists often combine visits to other historical sites around Con Dao, such as the Dinh Chua Dao and nghia trang Hang Duong, to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and culture of this land.

4. Main rituals and activities of the Ba Phi Yen Commemoration Ceremony

4.1. Incense offering and commemoration ritual

One of the core rituals of the Ba Phi Yen Commemoration Ceremony is the incense offering ritual at An Son Mieu, the place where Ba Phi Yen is worshipped – a figure symbolizing loyalty and sacrifice. Local people prepare offerings including fresh flowers, incense, fruits, candies, and other traditional items, arranged solemnly on the altar. The incense offering ceremony is performed with ancient prayer texts, the deep, resonant sounds of drums, wooden blocks, and echoing chants, creating a sacred and emotional atmosphere.

Delegations of officials and leaders perform the incense offering ritual to commemorate Ba Phi Yien (Source: Collected)

This is also an occasion for families to teach their children about gratitude, remind them of the moral values, loyalty, and spirit of sacrifice of Ba Phi Yien, while also strengthening community bonds through preserving and practicing traditional customs together. Visitors participating in the ritual will directly experience the solemnity, the unique and profound spiritual cultural life of the people of Con Dao.

4.2. Palanquin procession and traditional parade

An indispensable activity during the festival is the palanquin procession symbolizing Ba Phi Yien, parading through the main routes on the island. The palanquin is splendidly decorated with fresh flowers, lanterns, and banners, showing reverence and solemnity. The palanquin procession often has a large participation from local residents and tourists, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere yet maintaining solemnity.

Procession ritual during the Ba Phien Yen Commemoration Ceremony (Source: Collected)

During the procession, lion dance troupes, festival drums, and folk songs resonate, immersing participants in a unique cultural experience that is both ritualistic and rich in folk art performance. Visitors can not only witness but also participate, experiencing carrying the palanquin, immersing themselves in the festival's rhythm, feeling the community spirit and the connection between the past and present of Con Dao culture.

4.3. Cultural – Community Activities

Besides traditional rituals, the Ba Phien Yen Commemoration Ceremony is also accompanied by many cultural and community activities, making the festival diverse and attractive to visitors of all ages. Activities include folk music performances, water puppetry, traditional costume shows, folk games, and local food stalls. This is an opportunity for visitors to both entertain themselves and deeply learn about the islanders' cultural life, from characteristic dishes and traditional preparation methods to folk games with strong local identity. This community activity also helps connect generations, from the elderly to teenagers, and creates opportunities for visitors to experience and interact directly with the locals, capturing unique, lively, and humane moments.

4.4. Tourism Experience Combined with Festivals

Many visitors choose the Ba Phien Yen Commemoration Ceremony as an occasion to combine with visiting famous historical, cultural, and natural sites of Con Dao. After attending the incense offering ceremony and procession, visitors can explore Hang Duong Cemetery, the resting place of patriotic soldiers; the Governor's Palace, recalling the history of administration and rule; or the Con Dao Museum, which preserves artifacts and images of life on the island through different periods.

Combining festivals with tourism helps visitors have a comprehensive experience: feeling the sacred spiritual atmosphere, understanding the history, and admiring the pristine beauty of the islands. Participating in the festival also offers opportunities to capture unique photos, enjoy majestic natural landscapes, and gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual life and unique traditional culture of the people of Con Dao.

5. Tips for Attending the Ba Phien Yen Commemoration Ceremony

5.1. Preparing Appropriate Attire and Offerings

When attending the Ba Phien Yen Commemoration Ceremony, preparing appropriate attire and offerings is very important to show respect and be convenient for festival activities. Visitors should wear polite, neat attire, prioritizing elegant colors, and avoiding overly bright or offensive clothing.

If you wish to participate in the incense offering ritual, you can prepare some small offerings such as flowers, fruits, or incense; however, at An Son Temple, visitors can also purchase pre-prepared offerings from the organizers. Thorough preparation helps visitors blend into the solemn atmosphere, while experiencing the festival fully and meaningfully.

5.2. Choosing the Time and Itinerary

The ideal time to attend the commemoration ceremony is usually early morning or afternoon when the main rituals take place, avoiding the peak hours for convenient movement and experiencing the sacred space.

Visitors should arrive early when attending the Ba Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony to avoid crowds (Source: Collected)

Visitors should plan to combine visits to historical sites around Con Dao such as Hang Duong Cemetery, Governor's Palace, and Con Dao Museum before or after the festival, to experience culture, explore history, and the island's nature. If you intend to stay, you should book your room in advance as the festival season often attracts a large number of locals and tourists.

5.3. Notes on rituals and behavior during the festival

When participating in the Ba Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony, visitors should note to observe polite rituals and behavior, showing respect for the spiritual space. Avoid speaking loudly, joking, or using phones and cameras excessively in the solemn ritual area.

When participating in palanquin processions or collective rituals, follow the guidance of the organizing committee, avoid jostling or disrupting activities. Adhering to these regulations helps visitors experience the festival safely and fully, while also showing respect for local culture and the community.

5.4. Tips for capturing moments and experiences

To preserve the experience when attending the Ba Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony, visitors can bring cameras or phones to take photos and videos of rituals, cultural activities, and the surrounding natural scenery. However, remember to maintain a respectful distance from those participating in the rituals.

Additionally, visitors can also take notes on folk stories, legends about Ba Phi Yen, or participate in community activities to gain a deeper understanding of the festival's cultural and historical values. Combining observation, experience, and capturing moments makes the trip more vivid, emotional, and memorable.

The journey to attend the Ba Phi Yen Memorial Ceremony not only brings a profound spiritual experience but also helps visitors better understand the unique culture, traditions, and history of Con Dao.