An Giang's Ba Chua Xu Festival Earns UNESCO Recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival

on Mount Sam (Source: dangcongsan.vn)

The Ba Chua Xu Festival, held annually on the sacred Mount Sam in An Giang province, has received prestigious recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This honor was announced at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay on Wednesday, adding another gem to Vietnam’s growing list of UNESCO-recognized cultural treasures.

The festival, a vibrant reflection of the rich cultural tapestry of southern Vietnam, is celebrated each year from the 22nd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month in Chau Doc City, at the historic Ba Chua Xu Temple on Mount Sam. The event is a blend of ancient traditions, spiritual devotion, and communal unity, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike who come to honor Ba Chua Xu, the Holy Mother of the Realm.

A Celebration of Heritage and Spirituality

The Ba Chua Xu Festival is much more than a religious event; it is a vibrant celebration of local culture, history, and the acculturation process among the various ethnic communities in southern Vietnam. The festival is a time for locals to pay homage to the Holy Mother and to express gratitude for the prosperity, protection, and services rendered by those who have shaped the nation’s history.

With rituals steeped in tradition, the festival includes offerings, prayers, and ceremonial processions that draw on the spiritual beliefs of the local people. These activities are performed at the Ba Chua Xu Temple and at the sacred stone pedestal on the mountain, believed to be the divine site where the Holy Mother is worshipped.

Preserving Cultural Identity

The festival has been passed down through generations, preserving both the local cultural heritage and the religious practices of the Kinh people as well as other ethnic groups in the region, such as the Cham and Khmer communities. Over the centuries, the Ba Chua Xu Festival has evolved into a multi-faceted event that honors Vietnam's rich diversity and its interconnected cultural identities.

This UNESCO recognition further solidifies the festival's importance as a cultural landmark not only in An Giang but throughout Vietnam. As the 16th intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam to be recognized by UNESCO, the festival highlights the country's deep commitment to safeguarding its diverse and unique traditions.

Impact on Tourism and Cultural Preservation

The Ba Chua Xu Festival’s UNESCO recognition will undoubtedly boost tourism in An Giang and southern Vietnam, attracting more visitors who seek to experience its rich cultural traditions. With the growing interest in cultural heritage tourism, this recognition will also serve as an incentive for preserving and further promoting Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.

Local authorities and cultural organizations are now more motivated than ever to continue their efforts to maintain the integrity of the festival while also creating sustainable tourism experiences that allow visitors to learn about the history, spirituality, and customs that make this celebration so special.

A Landmark Achievement for Vietnam

For An Giang Province and the Ba Chua Xu Festival, the UNESCO recognition is not just an acknowledgment of a cultural practice, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving local customs and traditions in the face of modern development. The festival stands as a testament to the resilience of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the enduring bond between its people and their spiritual beliefs.

With this recognition, the Ba Chua Xu Festival joins a growing list of Vietnam’s intangible cultural treasures, reinforcing the nation’s place as a key player in the global effort to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity.

Tags: An Giang, Ba Chua Xu, UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Vietnam Heritage, Cultural Preservation