Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival 2026

Hoang Sa Soldiers’ Memorial Festival is one of the most meaningful and sacred traditional ceremonies held annually by the people of Ly Son Special Zone in Quang Ngai. Each year, this unique memorial event draws both local and international visitors, including travelers exploring the island with GTrip, who gather to pay tribute to the brave men that once sailed to the Paracel (Hoang Sa) and Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands to affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

Hoang Sa Soldiers’ Memorial Festival - A cultural link between the past and present

Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival, known as "Khao le The linh Hoang Sa Ceremony", is a traditional ritual that has been practiced for generations by families in Ly Son Special Zone.

The historical roots

The origins of the Hoang Sa Soldiers’ Memorial Festival trace back to the early 17th century, during the reign of the Nguyen Lords. At that time, recognizing the strategic importance of the East Sea, the Nguyen Lords established the Hoang Sa Flotilla. It consisted of 70 able-bodied men from An Vinh and An Hai villages (modern-day Ly Son). They were assigned to map sea routes, collect marine resources, and place markers asserting Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty on the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.

Every year, around February or March in the lunar calendar, these men embarked on their journey and returned in August through Eo Port (Thuan An Port, Hue). Given the dangerous conditions of long sea voyages, many never came back. Thus, the people of Ly Son began the ritual known as “Khao le The linh” to honor the fallen and bless future missions.

The ceremony is intended to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and to pray for those who follow in their footsteps

Cultural significance of the festival

Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival is a culturally rich ritual. This expresses the gratitude of the people of Ly Son towards the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the journey to protect the sovereignty of the seas and islands. "Khao le" refers to the annual ritual of remembrance. On the other hand, "the linh" is a living sacrifice ceremony that incorporates elements of religious magic to act as a substitute for the soldiers. It is well understood that those who serve in Hoang Sa constantly face the threat of death.

Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, Khao le The linh Ceremony symbolizes patriotism and the will to protect maritime sovereignty. It serves to educate future generations about the responsibility to safeguard every inch of land and sea of the homeland.

In addition to its historical significance, the Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival also helps preserve the unique cultural traits of the coastal residents. In a solemn atmosphere, local people and visitors come together to perform traditional rituals, strengthening community bonds and spreading the values of national culture.

This festival has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the people of Ly Son

Sacred rituals of Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival

Taking place on the 15th and 16th days of the third lunar month, the festival unfolds at Am Linh Temple, a national heritage site in Ly Son Special Zone.

A cultural ritual deeply rooted in the sea

Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival features a series of solemn ceremonies that reflect the maritime cultural identity of the Ly Son people. Each ritual carries deep meaning and recreates the arduous journeys undertaken by the Hoang Sa soldiers of the past. During these days, locals also clean and repair the ghost graves (mo gio) of Hoang Sa soldiers who sacrificed their lives at sea. These tombs are symbolic graves that honor those whose bodies were never recovered.

To prepare for the festival, locals create five model boats, ceremonial offerings, and ancestral tablets representing the commanders and soldiers of the Hoang Sa flotilla, as well as tablets for deities governing the seas. On the night before the main ceremony, the village’s ritual committee conducts a spiritual offering to the sea gods and a peace-praying ceremony for the souls of the fallen soldiers.

Sacred offerings and ceremonial symbolism

The main ritual is held in the courtyard of the communal temple and conducted by village elders, clan representatives, and spiritual masters. The chief village elder and other dignitaries serve as ceremonial aides. Thousands of Ly Son residents and visitors from both inside and outside the province gather to witness the event.

Three altars are set up, each adorned with offerings such as pork, chicken, salt, dried cakes, and symbolic items like ancestral tablets of the commanders and soldiers. In front of the altars are five model fishing boats, replicating the types once used by the Hoang Sa fleet. After the ritual master completes the necessary rites, a ceremonial recitation of prayers is conducted.

Each offering carries the significance of seeking the protection of the deities

The ritual of sending boats to sea

One of the most powerful moments in the ceremony is the boat launching ritual. Locals place effigies and spiritual tablets, along with symbolic items that the Hoang Sa soldiers would have carried. These boats represent those that once sailed to the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Islands.

The ritual ends as the boats are carried in a procession to the sea and released, symbolizing a farewell to the soldiers setting off on their journey. As the boats drift away, they carry the hopes of a smooth voyage, reflecting the resilient spirit of the coastal people, a spirit that has endured for centuries.

Accompanying cultural events

In recent years, the Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival has been grandly organized by local authorities. There has been growing participation from both Ly Son residents and people from other areas in Quang Ngai. The festival has evolved into a deeply humanistic event, preserving a sacred cultural tradition while also celebrating community values.

The festival is often held in conjunction with other cultural activities. These include lantern festivals, traditional opera (hat boi), lion dances, processions, and the traditional Four Sacred Creatures boat race. This combination enriches its spiritual and festive atmosphere.

This ceremony reflects the deep humanitarian values of the people of Ly Son

With centuries of history, Hoang Sa Soldiers' Memorial Festival has become a spiritual cornerstone and cultural emblem for the people of Ly Son. It’s a living tradition that honors heroism, preserves national heritage, and inspires pride across generations. If you're planning to visit Vietnam, consider coming in the third lunar month to immerse yourself in the cultural and historical soul of Vietnam.