Each year in the second lunar month, as the Thu Bon River flows gently through riverside landscapes, the cultural space along its banks comes alive with the vibrant colours of the Ba Thu Bon Festival – a traditional folk celebration deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the people of Quang land.
In 2026, the festival unfolds across two cultural spaces associated with the legends of Ba Thu Bon along the river. In Nong Son Commune, where the river winds through mountain ranges and peaceful villages, memories of Ba Thu Bon are preserved through solemn traditional rituals, where folk beliefs intertwine with historical stories and legends connected to the lives of riverside communities.
Following the flow of the Thu Bon River, the festival atmosphere continues in Thu Bon Commune – a land long associated with the worship of Ba and with distinctive cultural practices of river communities. Here, the festival unfolds in the familiar rhythm of a village celebration, where traditional rituals, folk games and community activities take place along the river, reflecting a cultural life that has been preserved through generations.
Two places, two festive spaces, yet sharing the same cultural current. Along the Thu Bon River – a river imbued with the historical traces of Quang land – the legends of Ba Thu Bon continue to be retold through each festival season, becoming a shared memory of the community and a unique cultural experience for visitors exploring this heritage river region.
BA THU BON FESTIVAL IN THU BON COMMUNE – THE RHYTHM OF A RIVERSIDE VILLAGE FESTIVAL
Held at the Ba Thu Bon Shrine in Thu Bon Commune, the festival invites visitors into a cultural space rich in local identity, where traditional rituals, folk games and community life blend along the river that has nurtured generations of local residents.
In 2026, the festival will take place from 21–30 March 2026 (corresponding to 3–12 of the second lunar month) at the Ba Thu Bon Shrine and surrounding riverside areas, offering a series of cultural, spiritual and community experiences over several days.
Traditional rituals – The spiritual heart of the festival
Within the flow of the festival, the ceremonial rituals remain the central and most solemn part. On the morning of 30 March 2026 (12/02 lunar calendar), beginning at 7:00 AM at the Ba Thu Bon Shrine, traditional rites such as the ceremonial offering, the water procession from the Thu Bon River, and the royal decree procession will be conducted in a respectful and sacred atmosphere.
Amid the rhythmic sounds of ceremonial drums and the colourful traditional costumes of the procession, the water procession symbolises prayers for favourable weather, abundant harvests and peaceful lives for riverside communities. It is also a moment when visitors can feel the profound connection between folk beliefs and the river that has sustained the cultural life of this land for generations.
With the fragrance of incense rising and ritual music echoing through the riverside village landscape, the festival creates a special cultural experience where each ritual not only holds spiritual meaning but also preserves the cultural memory of a region closely connected to the Thu Bon River.
Festival space – Vibrant cultural experiences
After the solemn rituals, the festival gradually transforms into the lively rhythm of celebration, where cultural performances, folk arts and traditional games paint a vivid picture of community life along the river.
During the festival days, the area in front of the Ba Thu Bon Shrine becomes an open cultural space with a variety of activities. The melodies of Bai Choi folk singing echo along the riverbank, while folk opera and traditional art performances take place in the evening, creating an atmosphere both intimate and culturally rich.
The highlight of the festival series is the opening ceremony at 7:00 PM on 29 March 2026, when the riverside stage shines with a cultural art programme inspired by local heritage.
The festive atmosphere is further enriched by community activities such as friendly sports competitions among riverside residents, traditional village chess matches held right beside the Thu Bon River, demonstrations of making ceremonial cakes offered to Ba – a custom preserved through generations – and exhibition spaces showcasing OCOP products and local specialties, allowing visitors to explore the distinctive flavours of this riverside region.
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival is the traditional boat racing competition on the Thu Bon River, taking place early in the morning of 30 March 2026. As rows of oars slice through the water amid cheers from both riverbanks, the festival reaches its climax, creating a vibrant portrait of Central Vietnam’s river culture.
Standing beside the Thu Bon River at that moment, visitors do not simply watch a boat race; they experience the community spirit and vitality of a festival where traditions continue to be preserved and passed down through generations.
BA THU BON FESTIVAL IN NONG SON COMMUNE – A FESTIVAL SPACE IN THE UPPER REACHES
While the festival in the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River unfolds in an open riverside village setting, the celebration at Ba Thu Bon Temple in Trung An Village, Nong Son Commune carries the distinctive atmosphere of the upper river region – where the legends of Ba Thu Bon have been passed down through generations.
The Nong Son festival takes place during the same period, creating a continuous cultural space along the river. Rituals and festival activities are organised at Ba Thu Bon Temple, closely connected with local historical sites and folk beliefs.
Sacred rituals of the upper river region
The festival in Nong Son begins with an opening ceremony on the evening of 28 March 2026 (10/02 lunar calendar). This is followed by a series of traditional rituals during the two main festival days, including the spirit-offering ceremony, ancestor worship ceremonies, royal decree procession, and water procession – rites that express gratitude toward ancestors and honour the worship of Ba among the local community.
On the evening of 29 March, the festival space becomes particularly enchanting with the floating lantern ritual and sacred fire ceremony held by the river, creating a mystical and spiritually meaningful scene.
The peak of the ceremonial activities is the main offering ritual to Ba, held on the morning of 30 March 2026, when the community presents offerings and performs traditional rites in remembrance of her merits.
Festival atmosphere – Cultural experiences and local traditions
Alongside the solemn rituals, the Nong Son festival also offers a wide range of cultural and community experiences. Boat races on the river, Bai Choi performances, an artistic programme recreating the legend “The Legend of Ba Thu Bon”, and the culinary contest “Flavours of Thu Bon” together create a vibrant festival atmosphere rich in local identity.
In this space, visitors not only take part in the festival but also discover the legends of Ba Thu Bon – a figure believed in folk stories to have helped local people cultivate mulberry for silkworms, grow rice and heal illnesses before becoming deified and worshipped as a guardian spirit of riverside communities.
BA THU BON FESTIVAL – A NATIONAL INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Ba Thu Bon Festival was inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirming the unique cultural value of the folk beliefs associated with the lives of communities along the Thu Bon River.
The festival embodies aspirations for prosperity, favourable weather and strong community bonds – values that have shaped the distinctive cultural identity of this region for centuries.
TOUCHING THE FESTIVE RHYTHM ALONG THE THU BON RIVER
From the upper reaches in Nong Son to the lower river areas of Thu Bon, the festival unfolds as a cultural journey following the heritage river.
It may be the moment of standing by the riverbank listening to the echoes of Bai Choi singing in the night festival, joining the procession in traditional rituals, or immersing in the excitement of the boat races on the Thu Bon River.
In those moments, visitors are not merely attending a festival – they are touching the rhythm of riverside community life, touching the authentic cultural values of the region, and touching the living memories of a festival that continues to thrive today.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
