An Giang province hosted a grand ceremony on March 19 evening to celebrate UNESCO’s official inscription of the “Via Ba Chua Xu festival” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, along with current and former leaders of the Party and the State, as well as representatives from provinces in the Mekong Delta.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh expressed pride and joy over the festival’s recognition as Vietnam’s 16th UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural heritage.

He highlighted that the worship of Ba Chua Xu has long served as a spiritual pillar for millions of people. To ensure the festival’s continued vitality and influence, he urged An Giang’s authorities, as well as relevant ministries, to safeguard the cultural space of the heritage site.

This includes balancing conservation with development and maintaining the sacred landscape of Sam Mountain.

Furthermore, he called for the preservation of the festival’s traditional rites, ensuring that all ceremonies adhere to their authentic and solemn protocols. This, he stressed, would allow future generations to experience the festival’s sacred essence.

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the importance of raising public awareness about the festival’s value. He encouraged education and communication efforts so that all attendees - locals and tourists alike -understand, appreciate, and help preserve its cultural identity.

Additionally, he advocated for sustainable, professional, and culturally respectful tourism development in connection with the festival.

Looking back at its history, An Giang Party Secretary Le Hong Quang recounted that over two centuries ago, the temple dedicated to Chua Xu Thanh Mau was built on lowland terrain facing the northwest side of Sam Mountain. After multiple renovations, the temple has become a grand structure, drawing pilgrims and visitors from all over the country.

"On December 4, 2024, the Vía Ba Chua Xu festival was officially inscribed by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is the first traditional festival in the Mekong Delta to receive such a prestigious recognition," Quang stated.

Tran Tuyen