The 240th Traditional Festival – Commemoration of Lady Phi Yến in 2025: New Highlights and Outstanding Activities

According to the 240th Lady Phi Yến Commemoration Festival plan issued by the People’s Committee of the Côn Đảo Special Administrative Zone, this year’s celebration will be held on an expanded scale, with upgraded cultural and community programs that align with the mission of preserving and promoting local heritage values. Through the festival, Côn Đảo aims to share the timeless cultural beauty associated with Lady Phi Yến – a steadfast, virtuous woman whose life story is deeply intertwined with the sacred history of the island. The event also serves as an opportunity to honor tradition, inspire the community toward humanistic values, and protect the cultural identity and sacred atmosphere of the heritage site.
Across three festive days, visitors can enjoy a rich sequence of ceremonial and cultural activities. The traditional rituals take place with solemn reverence, including the Opening Ceremony, the Mộc Dục Ritual (bathing the statue of Lady Phi Yến), the Offering of Tiên Thường, the Procession of Prince Hội An’s spirit tablet, and the main Commemoration Ceremony on the morning of December 7. Each ritual is carefully reenacted in accordance with traditional customs, reflecting deep respect for An Sơn Holy Mother and the long-standing spiritual heritage of the Côn Đảo community.

This year’s festival will feature an expanded program, offering a vibrant series of cultural and community activities. Highlights include a 240-person mass tug-of-war challenge, traditional folk games, a folk cake-making competition, a flower-arranging contest, an artistic performance telling the life story of Lady Phi Yến, and the “Golden Bell Challenge” quiz competition focused on the festival’s heritage and local history. Alongside these activities, booths showcasing Côn Đảo specialties, souvenirs, calligraphy, and local cuisine will be open throughout December 5–7, creating a lively cultural space for both residents and visitors.
The Lady Phi Yến Traditional Commemoration Festival is not only a cultural and spiritual highlight but also a key opportunity for Côn Đảo to promote its image and develop deeper, more meaningful tourism products. Both the province and the district recognize the festival as an important annual cultural event that enriches local cultural life, boosts tourism activities, and strengthens Côn Đảo’s presence on the national and international tourism map.
By preserving the festival’s authentic historical values, enhancing its educational significance, and expanding its cultural and community engagement, the 2025 Lady Phi Yến Traditional Festival promises to offer locals and visitors a sacred, distinctive, and profoundly Côn Đảo experience.