A truly unique procession for a centenarian man
#Culture
On the morning of the 7th day of the first lunar month, tens of thousands of local residents and visitors flocked to the Tien Cong Temple relic site in Cam La Commune, Quang Yen Town—the venue for the 2025 Tien Cong Festival—to witness the procession of the *Cu Thuong* (honored elders). This procession serves as a key highlight and a unique feature of the festival, which was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
Born and raised in the Hanam Island area,
I witnessed many mighty works of the land,
rich in history and tradition.
This year's festival is especially meaningful to the
two elders
and the family's
descendants.
We will strive
to preserve
the traditions
of our ancestor Danai, and strive to learn, practice, and sustain them,
so that our heritage will never fade.
The family is overjoyed that their parents
have celebrated their 80th birthdays,
making this year's festival even more lively.
This year's Tien Tsong Festival marks 591 years since
the Tien Tsong first opened and developed
the Han Nam Island area.
Preserved for more than 300 years, the festival is an occasion to unite
the village community,
awaken and spread patriotism and national pride, and foster a sense of
responsibility to preserve and promote the cultural values
of our forefathers among all walks of life.
Through rituals for longevity and well-being,
with ceremonial offerings, clothing, and the
ceremonial music ensemble, it pays tribute to the Tien Tsong,
honoring the Vietnamese tradition of
of respecting the elderly and wishing them longevity.
And vividly showcasing the cultural identity
of the people living around the Bach Dang estuary.
The descendants are deeply moved
and filled with joy to see their parents,
grandparents, and fathers reach this age. Everyone shares that hope.
The 2025 Tien Tsong Festival will run
for three days, from February 2 to 4, with cultural,
sporting, and folk activities such as tug-of-war,
the Tom Diem game, swing, tug-of-war,
Pull pushing, folk singing, courtship singing,
and the hoi ball tossing contest.
With its distinctive highlights in both
the ceremonial and festival programs,
the event meets the community's cultural and spiritual needs,
providing entertainment for the people during the early spring season.
It also helps promote local socioeconomic development.