This is an event to preserve and promote the historical and cultural value of Binh Thuy Communal House as well as create a highlight to attract tourists to Can Tho city. This year, Ky Yen Thuong Dien Festival in Binh Thuy Communal House takes place from May 30th to the early morning of June 1st, 2023 (the 12th - 14th of lunar April), featuring various traditional ceremonies such as receiving and escorting Linh Than, the main worshipping procedures, Shennong worshipping procedures, Tuc Yet (introducing the village’s officials to the gods), Xay Chau (drumming), Dai Boi (performing arts) and so on. Besides, the People’s Committee of Binh Thuy District held the Cultural, Sports, and Tourist Festival with such activities as book exhibition; calligraphy performance; tourism promotional program; traditional musical performance; traditional cake-making contest and exhibition; physical games; Open Cycling Tournament; Binh Thuy Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) Tournament, etc. which attracted a great number of participants.

Binh Thuy Communal House or Binh Thuy Temple (also known as Long Tuyen Ancient Shrine) is an ancient architectural communal temple in Can Tho with many valuable traditional arts of Vietnamese people, especially Can Tho local people during the reclamation period of the Southwest region. Along with the timeline and history, the temple still retains its ancient features, which is also a feature of the Southern River region. According to historical records, Binh Thuy Temple was built in 1844. The total area is about 500,000 square meters 2 in front of Binh Thuy canal (which means peaceful river). In 1852, King Tu Duc officially ordained this temple. Initially, when newly built, the temple was built of earth, bamboo, wood, and roofed with leaves. In 1853, the temple was rebuilt for the second time to celebrate the royal ordination of King Tu Duc. This time the place is covered with a spacious tiled roof. In 1908, the temple was renamed Long Tuyen. Because Binh Thuy Canal is shaped like a dragon, the locals here also call it Long Tuyen communal house or Long Tuyen Co Mieu. By 1979 the temple was returned to its original name, Binh Thuy Temple, and the name is used until these days. Unlike other temples, Binh Thuy Temple is a place to worship the earth god who rules the land; along with the mandarins and heroes who have contributed to the country. In 1989, it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national architectural and artistic relic. Ky Yen Festival in Binh Thuy Temple was also included in the National Intangible Heritage List in 2018.

The Ritual of Sac Than Cloth Exchanging. Photo: Dang Huynh

Sticky rice decorating Competition of Bui Huu Nghia Ward (Binh Thuy District) at Ky Yen Thuong Dien Festival in 2022. Photo: Truong An

This is an opportunity to introduce and promote the tourism image of Can Tho City in general and Binh Thuy District in particular to domestic and international tourists. Moreover, the event will stimulate tourism while creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere for people and tourists when visiting Can Tho City.