YBO - This morning, 12th of December (the 15th day of the first lunar month, Year of the Snake 2025), thousands of locals and visitors gathered at the Nam Cuong Communal House – Temple – Pagoda Cultural and Historical Site in Nam Cuong Ward, Yen Bai City, to attend the opening ceremony of the Nam Cuong Mother Goddess Temple Festival.
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The festival is solemnly organized with both ceremonial and celebratory segments, featuring the Peace Dove Release Ceremony as a symbolic act of spiritual devotion and well-wishing.
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The festival began with a procession and incense offering ceremony dedicated to the Holy Mother Linh Tu. Five residential groups, symbolizing the five lands united in solidarity, presented offerings to the Mother Goddess and Buddha. These offerings, prepared with devotion by the people themselves, reflect the community’s resilience and determination in building and renewing Nam Cuong Ward. The ceremony was conducted with sincere prayers for favorable weather, protection, peace, and happiness for all.
One of the most spiritually significant traditions of the festival is the Peace Dove Release Ceremony. This ritual represents the harmony between humans and nature. The family selected to perform the dove release must meet certain criteria: good health, successful livelihoods, and well-educated, well-mannered children. Twelve doves are released, symbolizing the collective wish for peace and happiness throughout the twelve months of the year.
Following the dove release, the festival featured a vibrant cultural performance celebrating the homeland, the nation, and the rich traditions of Vietnam. Additionally, a longevity ceremony was held to honor the elderly, embodying the Vietnamese value of respect for the elderly and love for the young. On this occasion, outstanding students were also recognized and awarded for their academic achievements. The festival concluded with a ceremonial fish release into the central lake, symbolizing wishes for a prosperous and joyful year ahead for all.
One of the most highly anticipated cultural traditions at the Nam Cuong Temple Festival is the boat racing competition. This event is not only a cherished traditional practice but also an exciting sport that draws numerous participants, fostering physical fitness and symbolizing the spirit of unity, perseverance, and faith in a prosperous future.
In 2024, the Nam Cuong Communal House – Temple – Pagoda area suffered severe damage from Typhoon Yagi (Storm No. 3). However, to ensure that the festival could proceed and continue serving the spiritual and cultural needs of both locals and visitors, Nam Cuong Ward sought approval from the city to restore and upgrade infrastructure. Thanks to these efforts, the temple complex and the surrounding embankment area now boast a refreshed and well-maintained appearance.
This year’s festival not only upholds traditional activities but also introduces new highlights. Notably, folk Quan Ho singing performances will take place on boats, floating stages, and bridges, creating an unforgettable cultural experience for both residents and visitors.
The Nam Cuong Temple Festival in Yen Bai City is more than just a cultural and historical event—it is a moment of unity, a time to express hopes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, peace, and happiness.
Thanh Chi – Hoai Van
As of March 17, Yen Bai province has facilitated the departure of 180 workers for employment abroad, achieving 15.3% of the annual target. These workers are primarily employed in key markets such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Notably, ethnic minorities and individuals from impoverished households account for 54% of the total. All nine districts in the province have participated in the labor export program.
As of now, the total outstanding loans for the labor export program in Yen Bai province have reached 7 billion VND, an increase of 4.1 billion VND compared to 2023.
In line with the 2025 Yen Bai Province Project to Eradicate Temporary and Dilapidated Housing and in response to the nationwide emulation movement “joining Hands to Eliminate Temporary and Dilapidated Housing in 2025,” the Steering Committee for Housing Support in Mu Cang Chai District has launched a plan to eliminate 771 temporary and dilapidated houses in 2025.
To date, Yen Bai province has had 13 heritages recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as part of the national intangible cultural heritage list.
