Among all traditional rituals on Hon Son Island, the Lady Co Chu Festival stands out as the most sacred and vibrant annual event. It is held to honor Lady Co Chu—believed to be the first woman who settled on the island, opened the land, protected early residents, and later became the guardian deity of the sea and the island community.
Every year, locals and visitors gather at the Lady Co Chu Shrine to pay respect, offer prayers, and participate in the island’s most anticipated spiritual celebration.
- Festival Name: Hon Son Lady Co Chu Festival
- Date: 9th day of the 9th Lunar Month (annually)
- Location: Lady Co Chu Shrine, Hon Son Island – Kien Hai Special Zone, An Giang Province
A Sacred Day: The 9th Day of the 9th Lunar Month
The festival takes place only once a year, on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. However, the festive atmosphere begins days earlier:
- Locals clean and decorate the shrine.
- Fishermen prepare offerings to express gratitude.
- Merchants and visitors arrive from the mainland, filling the island with vibrant energy.
On the main festival day, islanders believe that Lady Co Chu blesses all who come to pray—granting peace, calm seas, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Classical Opera (Hát Bội) – A Cultural Highlight of the Festival
One of the most iconic features of the festival is the performance of hát bội (classical Vietnamese opera). The shrine’s management board invites a professional troupe from Ho Chi Minh City to perform for islanders and tourists.
- A large stage is set up in front of the shrine.
- Colorful costumes and dramatic performances fill the night.
- Locals stay up late watching traditional plays dedicated to the Lady.
Hát bội adds a rich cultural layer to the festival, blending spirituality with traditional performing arts.
A Bustling Marketplace Around the Shrine
During the festival days, the area around Bãi Nhà A becomes lively and busy:
- Boats from the mainland bring agricultural goods, dried seafood, and festival items.
- Vendors set up temporary stalls near the shrine.
- Locals and visitors trade goods, enjoy street food, and shop for souvenirs.
This spirited atmosphere transforms the shrine’s surroundings into a lively cultural marketplace, creating a festive ambiance unique to Hon Son.
Thousands of Pilgrims and Visitors Join the Celebration
With the rise of tourism on Hon Son Island, the Lady Co Chu Festival has become a cultural attraction for travelers nationwide. Visitors come to:
- Pray for peace, safe voyages, and good fortune
- Explore local island traditions
- Experience authentic coastal culture
- Immerse themselves in the joyful community spirit
Hotels and homestays across the island are often fully booked during this period, as Hon Son welcomes thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
Deep Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Lady Co Chu Festival plays a vital role in the cultural identity of Hon Son:
- It strengthens community bonds.
- Preserves traditional Southern Vietnamese belief systems.
- Honors the ancestral figure believed to have founded the island settlement.
- Creates a unique spiritual experience for locals and travelers alike.
Thanks to this annual event, the story of Lady Co Chu continues to be passed down through generations, becoming a lasting symbol of Hon Son’s heritage.
The Hon Son Lady Co Chu Festival is not only the largest and most sacred spiritual event on Hon Son Island but also a vibrant cultural celebration that blends worship, performing arts, and community life. If you travel to Hon Son around the 9th lunar month, this is an experience you absolutely should not miss.
