The Cuong Temple Festival is a solemn and respectful event.

(Baonghean) Over four days (March 4-8), the 2012 Cuong Temple Festival in Dien An commune, Dien Chau district, took place solemnly, respectfully, and vibrantly, reflecting the rich cultural identity of the nation. Numerous visitors from all over came to Cuong Temple to offer incense and flowers, expressing their gratitude for the contributions of Thuc An Duong Vuong.

On the morning of March 7th, the full moon of the second lunar month, crowds of people flocked to Cuong Temple, growing larger and larger. Everyone was dressed neatly, their faces radiant with reverence as they offered gifts: fresh flowers, sweet fruits, fragrant incense... in remembrance of Thuc Phan, the king who founded the Au Lac Kingdom.

Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Vo, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dien Chau District, beat the drum to officially open the festival. The drum ensemble was performed by the Cultural Center. Following the opening ceremony at the temple grounds, various activities were held in the festival grounds: the opening of the tug-of-war competition, traditional martial arts performances, and cultural and artistic activities rich in national identity (cockfighting, carousel rides, human chess, etc.) creating a lively and attractive atmosphere, blending with the laughter of the local people and visitors from all over who came to participate in the festival.

The lion dance performance marked the opening of the Cuong Temple Festival.

Like all the people of the coastal region, every year Mr. Tran Van Vinh (60 years old) from Quyet Thang hamlet, Dien Bich commune, takes a break from fishing to participate in the Cuong Temple festival. Mr. Vinh is not alone; many elderly people in Dien An commune, such as Mr. Tu, Mr. Hai, Mr. Tran... are over 80 years old and no longer strong enough to participate in the ritual team, music team, or food team... but every year they return to the Cuong Temple to offer incense and participate in the festival.

The Cuong Temple, dedicated to Thuc An Duong Vuong, is located on Mo Da Mountain in Dien An commune, Dien Chau district. Every year, on the full moon of the second lunar month, local people and visitors from all over come to celebrate the spring festival, offering incense and flowers to pray for good fortune for all families, calm seas, abundant fish and shrimp, and bountiful harvests.

At Cuong Temple, unlike Co Loa, there isn't a festival; instead, there's a grand annual ritual called the National Sacrifice, held on the 15th day of the second lunar month. The sacrifice requires three animals (buffalo or cow, pig, and chicken). This grand ceremony is very solemn. The temple grounds are covered with flags, canopies, and banners. A large flag hangs atop the temple gate. Drums and gongs resound throughout the forest. People of all ages flock to attend the ceremony and to watch, filling the streets. The announcement ceremony begins on the 14th day of the second lunar month. The palanquin is carried from Cao Ai village.

This year, it's noticeable that the festival has become increasingly well-organized, ensuring a joyful, economical, and safe event, contributing to the preservation and honoring of the rich cultural heritage of Dien Chau coastal region. This result is primarily due to the appropriate and well-placed attention from all levels and sectors, from the province to the local level where the festival takes place. The guidance was smooth and followed the planned schedule, adapting to the characteristics of the festival, the local area, and the local population. The traditional folk nature of the festival was further emphasized. All of this profoundly reflects the reverence and aspirations of the people, praying for "national prosperity and peace," favorable weather, calm seas, abundant fish, and bountiful harvests, while also strengthening solidarity among different regions.

It can be affirmed that, through the festival, the cultural values ​​of the homeland are preserved and promoted in a positive way. Evidence of this is the inclusion of many wholesome, beneficial, and meaningful art forms, sports, and folk games in the festival, such as: Ca Tru singing, poetry, human chess, carousel rides, tug-of-war, cockfighting... Most notably, folk songs, lion dances, and traditional martial arts performances.

At 11 PM on the full moon of the second lunar month, the moon shone brightly, and crowds flocked to the temple, filling the festival grounds to capacity. The atmosphere was even more joyful and exhilarating during the procession of the King and Princess, followed by a bonfire. The fun lasted all night, and no one wanted to leave. Surely, when the Cuong Temple festival concluded, each person would have cherished beautiful memories and the joys of their spring outing at the Cuong Temple Festival.

Thu Huong