Attending the ceremony were Mr. Lê Hoàng Hải, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Secretary of the Con Dao District Party Committee; Mr. Nguyễn Anh Nhựt, Permanent Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the District People’s Council; Mr. Phan Trọng Hiền, Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the District People’s Committee, along with representatives of departments, organizations, and a large number of local residents.

A Dignified Opening Filled with Island Cultural Spirit

The ceremony began with the resounding beats of festival drums, followed by the incense-offering ritual honoring Madam Phi Yen — a virtuous concubine celebrated in local legends and revered by the people of Con Dao as a symbol of courage and righteousness.
Deeply spiritual and cultural in nature, the ceremony reflects the community’s gratitude toward its ancestors and upholds a cherished moral tradition of “remembering the source of the water we drink.”

Immediately after the opening, 240 locals and visitors joined a collective tug-of-war competition, symbolizing the 240th anniversary of Madam Phi Yen’s memorial day. Laughter, cheers, and a shared spirit of unity transformed the festival grounds into a vibrant celebration.

Three Days of Cultural and Festive Highlights

This year’s festival runs from December 5 to December 7, 2025, offering a rich program of activities: Folk performances and traditional art showcases; Folk games, sports competitions; A traditional cake-making contest, flower arrangement competition, and culinary presentations; Cultural and spiritual experience activities designed for visitors

Key ceremonial events include the procession of Prince Hội An’s spirit tablet from Miếu Cậu to An Sơn Miếu; the Mộc Dục Ritual (Bathing Ceremony) — a sacred tradition expressing reverence; and the main worship ceremony held at 10:00 AM on December 7, 2025 (18th day of the 10th lunar month) at An Sơn Miếu.
These rituals, carried out with solemnity and respect for age-old customs, form the spiritual heart of the festival and draw strong community participation.

Spreading Human Values – Strengthening Community Bonds

As part of the festival, Con Dao District presented 20 gifts to policy-beneficiary families and households in difficult circumstances, each worth 1.5 million VND. This gesture reflects the island’s enduring tradition of compassion, solidarity, and community care — values deeply rooted in its cultural identity.

A Cultural Tourism Highlight of Con Dao

The Phi Yen Commemoration Festival is one of Con Dao’s most significant traditional events, carrying deep spiritual meaning while also showcasing the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
It serves as an important cultural tourism attraction, contributing to the development of spiritual and cultural tourism — a key direction in Con Dao’s sustainable development vision.

With its grand opening and diverse three-day program, the 240th festival promises to offer meaningful, memorable experiences for both residents and visitors from near and far.