Tran Quoc Tuan, known posthumously as Hung Dao Dai Vuong, was a brilliant military strategist. He was entrusted by the Tran kings to command the armies in all three wars against the Mongol–Yuan invasions of Dai Viet.
After his triumphant victories over the Mongol–Yuan invaders, Hung Dao Dai Vuong retired to his estate in Van Kiep, though the Tran kings often visited him for counsel. He passed away on September 5, 1300 (the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, Year of the Rat). In his honor, the people built a temple at Van Kiep, now known as Kiep Bac Temple.
This year’s Autumn Festival of Con Son – Kiep Bac coincides with the celebration of the UNESCO recognition of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Accordingly, all festival activities revolve around the theme “Honoring Heritage – Spreading Vietnamese Values.” From the system of billboards and communication materials to the festival’s overall spatial design, every element reflects the new heritage identity and the aspiration to make Con Son – Kiep Bac an international spiritual and cultural destination.
The spiritual rituals of this year’s festival were elevated in both scale and presentation. Ceremonies such as the offering ritual, opening ceremony, seal ppening ceremony, peace-praying ceremony and lantern festival, and military parade on the Luc Dau River were all meticulously restored in accordance with traditional rites while incorporating vivid and dynamic performance elements.
Notably, this year’s festival also marks the fusion of culture and tourism. The Culture, Tourism and Trade Promotion Week serves as a key highlight, featuring three major exhibition areas: traditional craft villages, OCOP and signature agricultural products, and distinctive local cuisine.
Traditional folk-art performances such as cheo (traditional opera), ca tru (ceremonial singing), hat van (spiritual singing), and water puppetry were artistically staged to connect with the historical narratives of this sacred land, offering visitors experiences that are both engaging and reflective.
