TL;DR: The Bà Triệu Temple Festival is an occasion to honor the contributions of national heroine Triệu Thị Trinh, a resilient woman who led an uprising against Wu domination in the 3rd century. The festival not only recreates traditional rituals but also serves as a vibrant community cultural space, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the nation's cultural heritage.
What is the Bà Triệu Temple Festival?
The Bà Triệu Temple Festival is one of the most typical historical and cultural festivals in Thanh Hóa province. It is held annually in early February of the lunar calendar at the Bà Triệu Temple Special National Historical and Architectural Site, in Triệu Lộc commune, Hậu Lộc district. The festival commemorates and honors the merits of the national heroine Triệu Thị Trinh, an outstanding woman who led an uprising against the domination of the Wu kingdom in the 3rd century AD.
Summary table of the main milestones and events in the Bà Triệu uprising and festival.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2/10 in the year of Bính Ngọ (226) | Triệu Thị Trinh was born | Quan Yên, now in Định Tân commune, Yên Định district, Thanh Hóa |
| Early 248 | Bà Triệu led the insurgent army to attack Tư Phố citadel | From the Ngàn Nưa base |
| 22/2 in the year of Mậu Thìn (248) | Bà Triệu sacrificed herself | Tung Mountain |
| 2014 | The Bà Triệu Relic Site was ranked as a special national relic | |
| 2022 | The Bà Triệu Temple Festival was inscribed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List | |
| 2026 | Public performance of the theatrical script "National hero Triệu Thị Trinh, shining in the nation's history pages" |
Who was Triệu Thị Trinh?
Where did Triệu Thị Trinh come from?
According to historical sources, Triệu Thị Trinh (also known as Bà Triệu or Triệu Ẩu) was born on the 2nd day of the 10th lunar month in the year of Bính Ngọ (226) in Quan Yên, now Định Tân commune, Yên Định district, Thanh Hóa province. She grew up when the country was under the domination of northern feudal dynasties, and the people suffered from oppression and exploitation.
How did Lady Trieu's uprising unfold?
Witnessing the loss of the country and the suffering of the people, Triệu Thị Trinh, together with her elder brother Triệu Quốc Đạt, raised the flag of rebellion and retreated to the Ngàn Nưa mountains (in today's Tân Ninh and Xuân Du communes) to build a resistance base against the Wu domination. In a battle to defend the base, her brother was killed, but Triệu Thị Trinh continued the cause with the aspiration to "drive out the Wu invaders, regain the country, and remove the yoke of slavery".
In early 248, from the Ngàn Nưa base, Bà Triệu led the insurgent army to attack Tư Phố citadel and captured the seat of Cửu Chân commandery. The uprising quickly spread, and the insurgents expanded the liberated area, advancing to Bồ Điền region and joining forces with the three Ly brothers, capturing more districts in the north.
What was the historical significance of the uprising?
Bà Triệu's uprising "shook the whole of Giao Châu", forcing the Wu kingdom to send Lu Dan, an experienced general, as the Governor of Giao Châu with 8,000 elite troops to attack Cửu Chân commandery. From Thần Phù estuary to the northern defense line of the Len River, Bà Triệu's insurgent army fought bravely through about 30 battles against the invaders. However, due to the great disparity in force, Lu Dan's troops managed to besiege the Bồ Điền base. On the 22nd day of the 2nd lunar month in 248, Bà Triệu heroically sacrificed herself in battle at Tung mountain. The three Ly generals at Bồ Điền (now Triệu Lộc commune) continued to fight and fell to the last man.
How did Bà Triệu Temple develop over time?
How was Bà Triệu Temple built and restored?
In gratitude for Bà Triệu's great merits, the people of Bồ Điền built a temple in her honor at the foot of Tung mountain. Through many dynasties, the temple has been restored and expanded several times. Notably, King Lý Nam Đế, who contributed greatly to regaining national independence, had the temple expanded and repaired. Later generations continued to renovate and embellish the temple, making it increasingly grand and imposing.
How did Bà Triệu Temple become a heritage site?
In 2014, the "Historical and Architectural Site of Bà Triệu Relic Area" was classified as a special national monument, affirming its great historical, cultural, and architectural value. By 2022, the Bà Triệu Temple Festival was also inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, significantly contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values.
What rituals and activities happen at the festival?
What is special about the ceremony section?
The Bà Triệu Temple Festival consists of two main parts: the ceremony and the festival. The ceremony follows traditional rites and includes important rituals such as:
- Proclamation Ceremony: Reporting to the deities and Bà Triệu about the festival organization.
- Incense Offering Ceremony: Delegates, locals, and pilgrims offer incense to commemorate the heroic martyr Triệu Thị Trinh.
- Sacrificial Ceremony: A solemn ritual held at the Bà Triệu Temple.
In recent years, the ceremony has been enhanced with distinctive stage performances. For example, in 2026, the Thanh Hóa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism directed the art troupe to produce and perform a stage script titled "National Heroine Triệu Thị Trinh, Shining in the Nation's History". This program aims to vividly convey historical messages and cultural depth, and to spread promotional values on digital platforms, meeting the growing cultural and spiritual needs of the people.
What is the festival section like?
Besides the solemn ceremony, the festival is an occasion for locals and visitors to enjoy cultural and recreational activities. The festival space extends to satellite relic sites in the area, creating a rich and diverse cultural atmosphere:
- Bà Triệu's Tomb: The resting place of Bà Triệu at the foot of Tung mountain.
- Tombs of the Three Ly Generals: Commemorating the three generals who fought heroically to the last man.
- De Tu Temple and Ban The Shrine: Relic sites associated with the uprising.
- Phú Điền Communal House: The center of community cultural activities.
Vibrant cultural and sports activities during the festival include:
- Decorative Rooster Contest: A unique culinary cultural tradition of the local people.
- Art Performance Festival: Songs and dances praising the homeland and country.
- Tug of War Contest: A traditional folk game attracting many participants.
- Volleyball Tournament: A sport promoting health and fitness among the people.
What is the historical and cultural value of the festival?
How does the festival teach patriotism?
The Bà Triệu Temple Festival has great historical value in educating the patriotic tradition and the indomitable spirit against foreign invaders. The image of a strong and courageous woman rising up in rebellion when the country was invaded has become a shining symbol of the heroic and unyielding spirit of Vietnamese women in particular and the Vietnamese nation in general.
How does the festival preserve intangible heritage?
The inscription of the Bà Triệu Temple Festival on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022 is a well-deserved recognition of the traditional cultural values that the festival has preserved and passed down through generations. The festival is not only an occasion to remember the national heroine but also a space for spiritual cultural activities, strengthening community bonds and enriching people's spiritual lives.
How does the festival boost local tourism?
The Bà Triệu Temple Festival also plays an important role in developing tourism in Thanh Hóa province. Each year, the festival attracts a large number of pilgrims, creating opportunities to promote the image, culture, and people of Thanh Hóa to domestic and international visitors. This contributes to boosting local socio-economic development through service and tourism activities.
