TAY NINH FESTIVALS: EVENTS IN THE HOLY LAND

Tay Ninh, often referred to as the “magnetic pole” of cultural uniqueness, beckons travelers with its captivating festivals. This sacred land is undoubtedly a fascinating destination that no travel enthusiast should miss.

Tay Ninh is a region steeped in culture and religion, boasting numerous unique spiritual tourist attractions. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Tay Ninh festivals capture the hearts of countless visitors. If you plan to travel to Tay Ninh, let’s delve into what makes these festivals so appealing:

1. Tay Ninh Festival – The Veneration of Lady Linh Sơn Holy Mother

• Festival Dates: 4th, 5th, 6th day of the 5th lunar month annually
• Location: Linh Sơn Tiên Thạch Tự, nestled at the foothills of Bà Đen Mountain, one of the holiest temples in Tay Ninh.

Among the most distinctive Tay Ninh festivals is the Lady Linh Sơn Holy Mother Festival (Bà Tay Ninh Temple Festival). It commences with the Mộc Dục ceremony (statue bathing) at midnight on the 4th day of the 5th lunar month at the temple.

The main festival takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, featuring essential rituals like “Offering the Ten Items” to the Lady, including incense, lanterns, tea, cakes, fruits, and wine. Visitors can enjoy captivating performances such as puppetry, flower dance, and Tuồng comedy opera, all contributing to the festival’s allure.
The 6th day of the 5th lunar month is dedicated to honoring wandering souls, offering wine, and performing religious rituals. On this day, Buddhist monks recite prayers for repentance and peace for the wandering souls.

2. Bà Đen Mountain Festival in Tay Ninh

• Festival Dates: Night of the 18th to the end of the 19th day of the 1st lunar month annually
• Location: Bà Đen Mountain, Ninh Sơn Ward, Tay Ninh City

The Bà Đen Mountain festival in Tay Ninh is also a fascinating spiritual tourism destination, attracting many pilgrims. This festival combines Buddhist rituals with vibrant folk cultural activities such as singing and lion dancing. Traditional and modern elements intertwine, offering travelers a chance to explore the unique spiritual culture.

After climbing the mountain during the Bà Đen Mountain Tay Ninh tour at the beginning of the year, pilgrims joyfully receive a red packet, containing some small change or a handful of symbolic white rice, representing the hope for a prosperous and lucky new year.

3. Yến Diêu Trì Cung Festival in Tay Ninh

• Festival Dates: 14th and 15th day of the 8th lunar month annually
• Location: Tòa Thánh Tay Ninh, Long Thành Bắc Commune, Hòa Thành Town, Tay Ninh City

The Tay Ninh festivals are home to the grandest celebrations of Cao Đài religion and are among the most renowned festivals in Tay Ninh. The August 15th festival in Tay Ninh, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, serves to remind followers of the grace of the Supreme Being—the Creator of all things—while praying for favorable weather, peace, and prosperity.

The Yến Diêu Trì Cung Festival in Tay Ninh (Đức Chí Tôn Worship Festival) consists of two main parts: the ceremony and the festival. The ceremony begins with the offering of incense at the Small Altar in the Holy See at midnight on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is followed by the worship ceremony of the Holy Mother at Báo n Từ Temple at noon on the same day. Finally, the festival concludes with prayers for peace and the distribution of gifts to children at 6:00 AM on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month.
The festival’s celebrations draw numerous visitors, with the highlight being the Rồng nhang dance performance in Tay Ninh. This captivating spectacle features 30 dancers controlling a nearly 20-meter-long dragon. Surrounded by billowing incense smoke and flickering flames, it adds a touch of mysticism to the legendary creature.

4. Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival

• Festival Dates: 14th day of the 1st lunar month annually
• Location: Kim Quang Cave, Hòa Thành District, Tay Ninh Province

Spring is the season for many Tay Ninh festivals, including the Kim Quang Cave Revolution Traditional Festival. What sets this festival apart is that while other festivals in Tay Ninh are deeply rooted in religion and have a long history, the Kim Quang Cave Festival is a relatively recent addition, organized by the Party Committee and the government of Hòa Thành District.

During the resistance against the United States, both the District Party Committee and the District Military Headquarters were located at Kim Quang Cave, a large stone cave nestled in the southwest foothills of Bà Đen Mountain. The festival serves as an opportunity for the younger generation to revisit the revolutionary tradition and pay tribute to the martyrs who bravely sacrificed for the cause of national liberation.

5. Quan Lớn Trà Vong Memorial Festival

• Festival Dates: 15th and 16th day of the 2nd lunar month annually
• Location: Ấp Tua Hai, Đồng Khởi Commune, Châu Thành District, Tay Ninh Province

The Quan Lớn Trà Vong Memorial Festival is a tribute to the contributions of three brothers: Huỳnh Công Giản, Huỳnh Công Thắng, and Huỳnh Công Nghệ. The festival’s ceremonial rituals closely resemble those of Đình festivals in the Southern Region and Tay Ninh. Offerings primarily include salted food, poultry, incense, flowers, lanterns, candles, and more. Many places also feature traditional opera performances and unique folk cultural activities that showcase the local ethnic culture.

6. Kỳ Yên Festival – A Captivating Tay Ninh Festival

• Festival Dates: 14th, 15th, and 16th day of the 3rd lunar month
• Location: Đình Gia Lộc, Lộc Thành Ward, Trảng Bàng Township, Tay Ninh Province

Tay Ninh has its traditional festivals, and the Kỳ Yên Festival is one such annual event held at temples in the Southern Region and Tay Ninh in particular. In Tay Ninh, the Kỳ Yên Festival at Gia Lộc Temple (Trảng Bàng) is widely known.
The temple ceremony involves significant rituals such as requesting deity’s presence, the main ceremony, ancestral offerings, and blessing. This event is an opportunity for local communities to gather, bond, and celebrate their cultural heritage. It is an embodiment of the tradition of remembering one’s roots, hoping for abundant harvests and prosperity.

7. Tay Ninh Rice Paper Festival

• Festival Dates: According to the decision of Tay Ninh Provincial People’s Committee
• Location: Trảng Bàng Town, Tay Ninh Province

The Cultural and Tourism Festival of Making Rice Paper in the Dew in Trảng Bàng is an annual event of great scale in Tay Ninh. This festival aims to preserve and promote the value of Tay Ninh’s rice paper-making tradition and honor the artisans who have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s culinary culture.
Festival-goers can experience Tay Ninh’s culinary culture, especially the unique dew-soaked rice paper. Simultaneously, the festival introduces visitors, both local and international, to the image, culture, and people of Tay Ninh.

To fully experience the captivating Tay Ninh festivals, travelers are advised to choose accommodations with a convenient location and excellent services. Melia Vinpearl Tay Ninh is the ideal resort because:

• It offers panoramic views of the city at night from the 21-story hotel, a unique feature in Tay Ninh.
• Guests can unwind at Vincharm Spa.
• Unique and enticing Tay Ninh specialties and dishes are available.
• Its central location makes it convenient to visit popular Tay Ninh attractions such as Dầu Tiếng Lake, Mộc Bài Border Gate, Ma Thiên Lãnh, and more.

With its four festival seasons and breathtaking natural beauty, Tay Ninh is increasingly becoming a compelling destination for travelers. If you cherish traditional cultural values and folk beliefs, don’t miss the chance to participate in these extraordinary Tay Ninh festivals mentioned above!