Tam Tao Village Festival – Bac Ninh

The Tam Tao village festival is held on the 10th day of the second lunar month in Phu Lam, Tien Du, Bac Ninh, northern Vietnam. The festival celebrates the birthday of Mr and Mrs Tran Quy, who were the benefactors of King Ly Cong Uan.

According to historical records, Mr and Mrs Tran Quy sheltered Ly Cong Uan when he was fleeing from the forces of the Le dynasty. Ly Cong Uan was a general under the previous Le dynasty, but he led a revolt to overthrow the corrupt regime and establish the Ly dynasty. During this coup, he was defeated and escaped to Kinh Bac, where he met Mr and Mrs Tran Quy in Tam Tao village. They hid him and helped him recover from his wounds. After he became king, Ly Cong Uan granted Mr Tran Quy the titles of Phu Quoc Tan Tri and Ve Duc Bao Quoc, meaning “the loyal and patriotic minister who helped the country”. He also honored Mrs Dang Thi Phuong Dung as the queen mother.

After Mr and Mrs Tran Quy passed away, the people of Tam Tao village built a temple in their honor, called the Country Protection Temple or the Country Assistance Temple. The temple is large and magnificent, and it was often visited by King Ly Cong Uan and his successors to pay tribute to their benefactors. The temple has been preserved and renovated by the later dynasties, and it still stands today as a symbol of gratitude and loyalty.