Vinh Thanh Commune: Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage Values

Vinh Thanh Commune was established through the administrative merger of three former communes: Sao Dai Viet, Lung Hoa, and Tan Phu. Despite the initial challenges of restructuring and streamlining the local apparatus, the Commune Party Committee and People’s Committee have successfully spearheaded socio-economic development while cultivating a vibrant cultural life, laying a solid foundation for a new era of growth.

The Ngoi Temple Festival in Vinh Thanh Commune.

Vinh Thanh boasts an exceptionally rich and diverse system of cultural institutions and festivals. Currently, the commune is home to 13 pagodas, 12 communal houses, 7 temples, 2 shrines, and 5 Catholic churches, many of which are recognized as provincial or national-level relics. These sites serve not only as places of worship but also as vital pillars for preserving local traditional values. Unique cultural traits are meticulously maintained through seasonal festivals and effectively managed historical sites across the commune.

Many local festivals have gained widespread renown, serving the spiritual needs of the people and attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over. A prime example is the Duong Temple Festival, dedicated to Dong Hai Long Vuong (the 25th son of Lac Long Quan and Au Co), held annually from the 12th to the 15th of the fifth lunar month. Remarkably, the temple still preserves 14 royal certificates (Sắc phong) dating from the Canh Hung era (1745) to the reign of King Khai Dinh (1925), along with a “Ngoc Pha” (divine genealogy) that meticulously chronicles the temple’s history and divine miracles. Visitors to Duong Temple can satisfy their spiritual desires while admiring the site’s ancient, sacred, and majestic beauty.

Another highlight is the Ngoi Temple Festival, which honors Female General Le Thi Ngoc Trinh, a historical figure who assisted the Trung Sisters in their struggle against foreign invaders. The festival is held twice a year: in early Spring (the 4th to the 7th of the first lunar month) and on the 9th and 10th of the ninth lunar month. The ceremonies include solemn palanquin processions and rituals dedicated to the general. The festivities feature unique activities such as the “Hu dao” game, a traditional ritual associated with Lady Le Thi Ngoc Trinh. A culinary centerpiece of the event is Banh Ngowa (a specialty of Lung Hoa), a traditional cake offered at the temple. This festival stands as a representative cultural beauty, preserving and promoting spiritual values for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, the commune hosts festivals at the Hoa Loan, Nam, and Dong communal houses. These sites serve as places of worship for Female General Le Thi Ngoc Trinh, with festivals running from the 4th to the 8th of the first lunar month. These events are famous for their traditional tug-of-war competitions, involving hundreds of participants—a distinctive cultural hallmark maintained over many years that draws large local crowds.

In alignment with provincial and cultural sector directives, Vinh Thanh Commune has focused on reviewing, consolidating, and effectively utilizing its system of cultural institutions and religious sites. These efforts have progressively met the community’s spiritual and social needs, contributing to an enhanced quality of life and driving local socio-economic development.

Mr. Dang Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee and Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division, noted: "Following the merger, the commune conducted a comprehensive audit of all cultural, sports, and religious facilities. We have proposed that higher authorities refine management mechanisms, support infrastructure upgrades, and develop a master plan for the 2025–2030 period. Furthermore, we are promoting ’socialization' to mobilize community resources for heritage preservation."

By adopting a synchronized and practical approach, Vinh Thanh is steadily building a modern and effective system of cultural and religious institutions. These efforts not only enhance the spiritual well-being of the people and strengthen the Great National Unity but also provide a firm bedrock for the commune’s sustainable development in the future.

Huy Thang