Every year, Binh Thuy Temple has 2 offering ceremonies namely Thuong Dien (on the 12th, 13th and 14th) and Ha Dien (December, 14th of the lunar calendar). Specifically, Ky Yen - Thuong Dien is the most important festival locals to express gratitude to the founders or protectors of the village and pray for favorable weather and abundant crops. It is also an opportunity for community bonding as well as relaxing before starting a new season. The ceremony is held solemnly, in accordance with the tradition of different ceremonies and rituals such as “Đưa Sắc Thần du ngoạn”, “Tế Thần Nông” (Shennong), “Thay khăn Sắc Thần”, “Xây chầu - Đại bội”, “Chánh tế”, Lễ “Tôn Vương”, “Tế Sơn Quân” and so on. Moreover, there are many traditional community-based activities in this festival such as folk games, boat racing, sweet raspberry contest, cake-making performances and contests, etc.
Binh Thuy Temple, built in the middle of the nineteenth century, is located in Binh Thuy ward, Binh Thuy district. It was entitled “Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng” (City God) by King Tu Duc in 1852. In 1989, Binh Thuy Temple was ranked by the Ministry of Culture as an Architectural art monument of the national level.
So far, Can Tho has had three National Intangible Cultural Heritages, namely “Đờn ca tài tử Nam bộ” (Southern Amateur Music), “Văn hóa Chợ nổi Cái Răng” (Cai Rang floating market culture) and “Lễ hội Kỳ yên Đình Bình Thủy” (Ky Yen Binh Thuy Temple festival).
Nguyễn Tín - Translated by Hoang Dat