In recent days, numerous communal houses across Can Tho City have been abuzz with activities as they host the traditional Ky Yen Festival to pray for national peace, favorable weather, and prosperity for the people.

Offering incense and paying respects to the Sacred Deity at Thoi An Communal House, O Mon District. Photo: DUY KHOI

The Thuong Dien Ky Yen Festival at Thoi An Communal House (Thoi An Ward, O Mon District) officially opened on May 11 and will run until May 13 (from the 14th to the 16th day of the fourth lunar month). The festival follows traditional rituals such as the ceremonial procession and enthronement of the royal decree (Sắc Thần), Túc Yết (offering of preliminary rites), worship of the God of Agriculture (Thần Nông), ancestral masters (Tiên Sư), the main sacrificial ceremony (Chánh Tế), and offerings to former sages and founders (Hậu Hiền, Tiền Hiền). Alongside the formal rites, the festival also features various cultural and recreational activities for locals and visitors.

Thoi An Communal House is an ancient structure that is rich in architectural, cultural, and folk religious values. With a history spanning nearly 200 years, it holds a special place in the spiritual life of the local community. In 2004, the Can Tho City People's Committee officially recognized it as a municipal-level historical and cultural relic.

Similarly, Thoi Binh Communal House (Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District) solemnly organized the Ha Dien Ky Yen Festival for the year of the Snake (Ất Tỵ), held from the 10th to the 12th day of the fourth lunar month. Thoi Binh Communal House was conferred the title of Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng (Local Tutelary God) by Emperor Tu Duc in 1852. It was designated as a municipal-level architectural and artistic relic in 2018 by the Can Tho City People’s Committee.

Meanwhile, the Ha Dien Ky Yen Festival at Tan Loc Dong Communal House (Tan Loc Ward, Thot Not District) was also ceremoniously held from the 11th to the 13th day of the fourth lunar month. Rituals included the procession and enthronement of the royal decree, worship of ancestral masters, homage to the Hung Kings (Quốc Tổ Hùng Vương), Túc Yết, Xây Chầu - Đại Bội (preliminary and grand offerings), worship of the God of Agriculture, and the main sacrificial ceremony. Traditional performances such as hát bội and classical opera (tuồng cổ) were also staged for public enjoyment. In recognition of its unique historical and cultural significance, the Tan Loc Dong Communal House was officially listed as a municipal-level historical and cultural relic by the Can Tho City People’s Committee in 2017.