On December 4, 2024, Vietnam celebrated a remarkable cultural achievement. At 7:47 p.m. Hanoi time, during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in Paraguay, the Bà Chúa Xứ Goddess festival was officially listed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the festival’s significance and its role in preserving Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
The Ba Chua Xu Goddess Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition
The Bà Chúa Xứ Goddess festival, also known as the Via Ba Ceremony, takes place annually from the 22nd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month at the Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam Temple in Chau Doc City. This vibrant event commemorates the day the statue of the Goddess descended from Sam Mountain, featuring a variety of traditional rituals. Key activities include the procession of the Goddess’s statue from the mountain to the temple, the Ba Bathing Ceremony, and the Requesting the Sacrament Ceremony, among others. These rituals reflect the diverse cultural heritage and social customs of the Kinh, Hoa, Khmer, and Cham ethnic communities.
The Ba Chua Xu Goddess Festival: A Milestone for Southern Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage
With its recent UNESCO recognition, the Festival of Bà Chúa Xứ becomes the second heritage from Southern Vietnam to receive this honor, following Đờn ca tài tử (Southern Amateur Music). Additionally, it is the first traditional festival frolers to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam.
For those planning to explore Vietnam’s cultural heritagem the South to be included on this prestigious list. This accolade not only celebrates the unique traditions of the region but also enhances the festival’s visibility on the global stage, inviting trave, visiting Chau Doc City during the Bà Chúa Xứ Goddess festival is a must. Stay tuned to Aldentravel.com for more insights into this enchanting celebration and other cultural events in Vietnam!
